In a fancy restaurant this would be called a sauce, but we know better. You can use any mushroom you like, but shiitakes have a rich meaty flavour that goes perfectly with grilled steak.
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
1 thinly sliced onion 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 tablespoons butter 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, stems removed 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ cup red wine 1 cup rich beef or chicken stock ½ cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced Salt and pepper to taste
Method
In a saucepot over medium heat gently brown the onions and garlic in the butter. Add the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes until heated through. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until it dissolves. Add the wine, beef stock and cream. Bring to a simmer. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the fresh thyme. Taste. Season with salt and pepper.
Michael Smith is the host of the Food Network's Chef at Home, Chef at Large and The Inn Chef.