Thursday, January 6, 2011

Paris French Mushroom Soup: French Fridays with Dorie


Francais Soupe aux Champignon: Week Nine

Friday has again become my day for posting with the French Fridays with Dorie group and as before no recipes will be posted on Friday. You can find all the fabulous recipes we showcase in Dorie Greenspan's new cookbook Around my French Table.
This week was a lovely Francais Soupe aux Champignon . Which for all of us English speakers is french mushroom soup. It just sounds more romantic in French. I'm all about romance when it comes to food because I believe food transports us. Not only to other places but to other times and sweet memories from our past.

This dish is so easy you can cook it on a work night or on a busy weekend full of activity. I like that it is light in calories, but is filling and substantial. I did add a few enhancements.

My French nanny would have added: a thick slice of crust less bread soaked and then the moisture squeezed out, a dash of Cognac or Sherry and a Parmesan rind. All of which serve to enhance the flavor and richness of the soup without having to add cream.

Many of the high-end restaurants we have enjoyed lately will serve a nage,dashi or broth on the side of a fabulous mix of fresh herbs and veggies that the server will then pour over the dish table side.
Just as is done with this bistro-style soup. Here the soup is served along side a bowl filled with fresh mushrooms,chives and herbs. We enjoyed this along with some garlic rubbed, toasted baguette and a nice earthy Pinot Noir.

Enjoy!

22 comments:

  1. Love your photos! The addition of the crusty bread slices look delicious.

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  2. Your soup looks great! I almost added a Parmesan rind...

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  3. Twin! Very pretty presentation. I think it makes a nice paint color too! Who knew? Don't tell anyone but I added a dash of cognac too. I know what it does to onions and I am powerless to resist its charms.

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  4. Very nice - great presentation. Love the toasted baguette. MMMM.
    (By the way, the snow is very pretty; but I still have clean out my VERY LONG driveway when I get home from work which mars my enjoyment. BLECH).

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  5. Cognac and parmesan rinds are great ideas. I'll have to try that next time!

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  6. Thanks for stopping by everyone. It's nice to be posting with the group again B:)

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  7. I love the idea of Cognac…I always save the rind of parmesan to throw in sauce or soup. Love your photo! Bread looks delish!

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  8. Thanks for stopping by Kathy. I have a crush on Cognac and as Trevor says onions and cognac are a match made in heaven. B:)

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  9. Everything looks great! Your post was really lovely...transported me to Paris with the intro! I agree everything is more romantic in French!!

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  10. Isn't that the truth Steph. Happy New Year to you and yours!! B:)

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  11. I feel the same way about food - that it transports us and particularly evokes memories of people and places. Such a beautiful photo and the bread is a perfect accompaniment to the soup.

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  12. I certainly missed all you guys!B:)

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  13. It does sound more romantic in French, doesn't it? Delicious!

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  14. Yep, it absolutely does sound so much more sophisticated, romantic & exciting simply because its in French. Bet its delicious too :)

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  15. Your additions sound wonderful! I'll have to experiment a little the next time I make this soup.

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  16. Mmm, I second your French nanny - sherry or Cognac makes everything better!!

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  17. Thanks Trix. Lets add tequila to the list...Ha:)

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  18. What a lovely presentation! We had crusty bread with the soup too, except that I misjudged the timing and it was more like large croutons, which were also good.

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  19. mmm I do have a parmesan rind in the fridge...I might have to add it. Thanks for the tip!

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  20. Allison and Betsy Thanks for stopping by I always appreciate the comments and support. B:)

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  21. eventhough the bechamel was thick, it was still pretty darn good. i loved the burnt cheese on the top. next time i will add more cheese because there really isn't anything better than burnt gruyere!!! great post!

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