Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Oxtail Soup - A Dutch Treat, For Sure!


Ingredients 
1 Pkg oxtail (about 2 lbs or 750 gr)
2 Tbsp Tomato paste 
2 small onions, diced
1 large carrot diced
3 celery stalks, diced in small pieces, making sure to include green leafy parts
10 black peppercorns 
2 whole cloves
2 Bay leaves 
2 sprigs thyme
1/2  C Sweet wine such as Marsala
Salt and Pepper to taste

Parsley for garnish

Place all the ingredients in a crock pot and allow to simmer for approximately 4 to 5 hours until oxtail is very tender.  Remove meat from bone and place in to soup.  Garnish with parsley and serve with croutons. Serves 4. 
Refrigerate any leftovers immediately.

Monday, March 4, 2013


Gosha's Polish Mushroom Soup Recipe



Most of you know I'm coocoo for mushrooms - any time of day, and any day ending on "y".  This recipe brought me back to my roots.  While it has its origin's in my Polish friend's kitchen, I am certain that many other Europeans will appreciate its simplicity and lovely flavor.  Bon Appetit!



Ingredients:

2 Tbsp European butter (such as Plugra)
1 small shallot - finely chopped
1- 8 oz package of mushrooms diced in bite-sized pieces
1 Tsp dry rosemary (or a sprig fresh from the garden)
1 8 oz container of sour cream + 2 Tbsp water
1/4 C Wondra flour

1/4 Dry Vermouth
2 packages of vegetable broth such as Emeril's Organic

Salt & Pepper to taste
1/4 C finely chopped parsley.

In a sautee pan melt butter, sautee shallots until golden, add mushrooms and cook until tender.  Adding a little salt to the shallots will allow them to sweat. Reserve all liquid.

In a crockpot, add 2 containers of vegetable stock and Vermouth and bring to a simmer. (On high)  In a seperate bowl whisk together the sour cream, water and Wondra. (I use Wondra because it is superfine and even inexperienced chefs manage to get a sauce without clumps).  Pour the sour cream mixture into the broth, whisking all the while.

Add the sauteed mushrooms and shallots. Allow the entire soup to simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours for the flavors to fully develop. (On low setting)  Taste to ensure there is sufficient salt and pepper.

Place soup into bowls, sprinkle with parsley and croutons.  Serve hot!