Chinese Aristocrat Mushroom Velouté

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the French Velouté, we have incorporated Chinese aristocrat cuisine elements to create a unique fusion dish. The original French recipe typically uses a white stock and cream as the base, while our Chinese aristocrat Mushroom Velouté replaces the cream with a vegetable broth infused with traditional Chinese spices. Additionally, we have added scallions and sesame oil as garnishes to enhance the flavors and provide a distinct Chinese touch. We alse have the original recipe for Velouté, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or a mix) 500g (1.1 lb) fresh mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or a mix)
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 star anise 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish) 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for garnish) 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the mushrooms and slice them into thin pieces.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the star anise and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick from the pot. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar. If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the soup to thicken.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Ladle the Mushroom Velouté into bowls and garnish with thinly sliced scallions. Drizzle each serving with a touch of sesame oil.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy the luxurious flavors of Chinese aristocrat cuisine.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly cleaned and sliced thinly for even cooking and a pleasant texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense mushroom flavor, use a combination of different mushroom varieties.
• Adjust the thickness of the velouté by adding more or less vegetable broth.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
• Experiment with different garnishes such as toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried shallots.
• Serve the Mushroom Velouté as a starter for an elegant Chinese aristocrat-inspired dinner.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese Aristocrat Mushroom Velouté in individual bowls, garnished with thinly sliced scallions and a drizzle of fragrant sesame oil. Accompany it with crusty bread or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Mushroom Velouté in elegant soup bowls, ensuring the garnishes are delicately arranged on top. Consider using Chinese-inspired tableware and adding a sprig of fresh herbs as a final touch.