Porcini Wild Rice Soup

Serves 6. Takes 1 hour.

1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
2 cups boiling water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic
2 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp salt
Several pinches of black pepper
8 ounces cremini mushrooms (about 3 cups), sliced thin
1 1/2 cups wild rice
4 cups veggie stock
1 carrot, peeled

Place the porcinis in a bowl. Measure 2 cups boiling water and pour over the mushrooms. Cover with a plate and set aside. Preheat the stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and saute the onions for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently.

Add the sliced creminis and saute for about 3 minutes. In the meantime, remove the porcinis from their broth. Slice them thinly and add to the stockpot along with the porcini broth. Let the mixture cook for a few more minutes.

Add the wild rice and the veggie stock. Cover and bring to a boil. Once the soup in boiling, lower the heat and low and simmer for about 45 minutes. When the rice in tender, grate the carrot in and turn off the heat. Let sit for 10 minutes or more. If the soup is too thick, add another cup or so of water or broth.