Mushroom Soup

i am one of those people

you know,
the kind who order french onion soup

and ask

if they can "hold" the cheese

i know, i know

who does that?

apparently,

i do

i like the broth

i love the onions

i even like the soggy bread bits

but because

it really isn't the healthy option

i don't ever make it at home

but i do make something

sorta similar

that you can eat

relatively guilt free

Mushroom Soup
(printable recipe)

olive oil

1 medium onion--thinly sliced

2 Tbs marsala wine or sherry or water (whichever you like)

2 Tbs finely chopped shallot

1 large garlic clove--finely chopped

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 cup red wine

12 oz chopped/sliced mushrooms (i use crimini, shitake and oyster)

3 cups broth--chicken or vegetable

 generous dash of worcestershire sauce

salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbs finely chopped parsley

 finely grated bellavitano black pepper cheese (this is from sartori cheese and is awesome, but you can substitute your favorite melty cheese)

salt and pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme

For the "crouton"

4 pieces filo dough

2 Tbs unsalted butter-melted

finely grated bellavitano black pepper cheese

For the soup:

Heat a stockpot and add olive oil.  Toss in onions and then lower heat and allow to cook until soft and beginning to brown.  If they start to burn, put in a bit of the marsala or liquid of choice to slow cooking.  Toss in shallot and garlic. Do not let the shallot and garlic burn.  When they are softened, add remaining marsala (or liquid of choice).  Drop in the mushrooms and stir to coat. Let cook down about 15 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add red wine and let simmer another 10 minutes.  Drop in thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.  Hit with a dash of worcestershire sauce. Add  the broth.  Let simmer for about 30 minutes, until all the flavors meld together.  Divide soup into bowls, top with a bit of parsley and a bit of grated cheese (as much as you want!).

Meanwhile, make the crouton

lay a piece of filo on a cookie sheet lined with parchment.  Paint on a bit of butter and place the next layer on top. Continue with all 4 pieces.  Grate the cheese on the top to make a thin layer. Cut into large squares. Place in 400 degree oven until it is nicely browned.