Braised Mushrooms with Garlic

Serves: Part of large appetizer plate

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. dried Chinese (black) mushrooms
• 2 tbs. peanut oil
• 1 large clove garlic, bruised
• 3 slices ginger
• 2 tbs. dark soy sauce
• 1 tbs. sugar
• 2 tsp. sesame oil

Steps:

1. Soak mushrooms in 1.5 c. hot water for 30 minutes. Drain (reserving the liquid), squeezing out as much water as possible. Cut off the tough stems.
2. Heat pan. Add peanut oil when hot, and fry garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add mushroom caps and fry, pressing undersides against pan until they are golden brown. Add reserved mushroom liquid, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Cover with lid and simmer for 30 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and mushrooms take on a shiny appearance.
3. Discard garlic and ginger, and serve mushrooms hot or cold.

Notes:

• This recipe appears as part of a Cold Appetizer Platter, but stands on its own as a rich, luxurious side dish.

Keywords: Chinese, Vegetables, Mushrooms.