If you are a lover of mushrooms then Mushroom Stroganoff is a great recipe for you. I think it works best with mixed mushrooms; whatever happens to be in season. A splash of brandy adds real depth of flavour. Smoked paprika gives a wonderful smokey intensity.

This makes a fine dinner party or special occasion dish. I like to serve it with French Pilau Rice, Petits Pois Frais à la Française and Courgettes and Tomato.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 500g mixed mushrooms (such as chestnut, portobello, button, oyster, shitake, chanterelles
• 15g dried porcini mushrooms
• 25g butter
• splash of olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 1 garlic clove
• pinch of thyme
• pinch of caraway seeds
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp brandy
• 2 tbsp dry sheer or dry white wine
• 100ml vegetable or mushroom stock
• 100ml cream
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Method:

1. Soak the dried porcini mushrooms in hot water until soft. squeeze out excess water, and retain the soaking liquid. Roughly chop.
2. Chop the onion, finely chop the garlic.
3. Wipe the mushrooms and cut into 1/2cm slices.
4. Heat the butter in a large frying pan with a splash of olive oil.
5. Fry the onions gently for about 5 minutes until soft.
6. Add the garlic, sliced mushrooms, chopped porcini, thyme and caraway seeds. Turn the head up
7. slightly and fry the for a further 5 minutes or so until the mushrooms start to brown.
8. Add the smoked paprika and fry for a further 30 seconds.
9. Add the brandy and sherry and flame to burn off the alcohol.
10. Add the cream, stock and porcini soaking liquid, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
11. Serve scattered with freshly chopped parsley and a really good grind of black pepper.

Mushroom Stroganoff