MYSTIC MUSHROOM AND QUINOA CHOWDER

Mystic Mushroom and Quinoa Chowder image

A tasty soup with mushrooms and quinoa; great as a first course or a wonderful accompaniment to a salad or sandwich for a meal.

Provided by HOGGWILD5

Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Cream Soup Recipes Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

½ cup quinoa
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 (8 ounce) package button mushrooms, chopped
2 tablespoons molasses
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon butter
⅔ cup chopped fresh shiitake mushrooms
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
⅓ cup creme fraiche
chopped fresh chives

Steps:

Toast quinoa in a dry, heavy skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
In a large saucepan or stockpot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Stir in onions, and cook until caramelized, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in quinoa, mushrooms, and molasses; cook until mushrooms release their liquid, adding a little chicken stock if necessary to facilitate cooking. Add remaining chicken stock, and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked.
Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shiitake mushrooms in butter until softened; set aside.
Puree soup in a food processor or blender, and return to saucepan. Stir in cream, and heat (DO NOT BOIL). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with creme fraiche, shiitake mushrooms, and chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 340.2 calories, Carbohydrate 20.9 g, Cholesterol 90.2 mg, Fat 26.8 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 16.1 g, Sodium 937.9 mg, Sugar 6.7 g