Mushroom Ragout Gravy

Directions

1. 1
   Place the dried mushrooms in a Pyrex measuring cup, and pour on 2 cups boiling water.
2. 2
   Let soak 30 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. 3
   Place a strainer over a bowl, line it with cheesecloth or paper towels, and drain the mushrooms.
4. 4
   Squeeze the mushrooms over the strainer to extract all the flavorful juices, and set aside the liquid in the bowl.
5. 5
   Then rinse the mushrooms, away from the bowl with the soaking liquid, until they are free of sand.
6. 6
   Squeeze dry and set aside.
7. 7
   If very large, chop coarsely.
8. 8
   Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy nonstick skillet or saucepan over medium heat, and add the onion or shallots.
9. 9
   Cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes.
10. 10
    Add half the garlic, stir together for about 30 seconds, and then add the fresh mushrooms and salt to taste.
11. 11
    Cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms begin to soften and to sweat, about 5 minutes.
12. 12
    Add the flour and continue to cook the mushrooms, stirring, until they have softened a little more and you can no longer see the flour, about 2 minutes.
13. 13
    Add the reconstituted dried mushrooms and the wine, and turn the heat to high.
14. 14
    Cook, stirring, until the liquid boils down and glazes the mushrooms, 5 to 10 minutes.
15. 15
    Add the rosemary and sage or thyme, stir together, and stir in the mushroom soaking liquid and the stock.
16. 16
    Bring to a simmer, add salt to taste, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the mushrooms are thoroughly tender and fragrant and the surrounding broth is thick and gravy-like, about 20 minutes.
17. 17
    If you want a thicker gravy, remove a cup and blend until smooth in a blender or a food processor fitted with the steel blade.
18. 18
    Stir back into the ragout.
19. 19
    Remove from the heat, stir in some freshly ground pepper, taste and adjust salt.
20. 20
    Set aside, preferably in the refrigerator, overnight.