Charlie Troter's Braised Leek Soup

This was a recipe I got off of the Bon Appetite Supper Club web site:

http://www.basupperclubandcafe.com/

I think this was nice - not as creamy as a potato leek soup, but allows the full flavor of the leeks to come out. The mushroom sautee really adds a nice depth to this dish. As with my potato leek soup, I believe this can be modified to use different herbs (thyme, tarragon, etc.) and would also go well with some roasted garlic mixed in. Additionally, some cream or yogurt could add a little creaminess.

Ingredients:
3 large cleaned leeks (white part and 2 inches of the green)
5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 sprigs rosemary
1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 minced shallot (optional in my opinion)
1 1⁄2 cups cleaned oyster or shiitake or mushrooms
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:
Cut each leek in half lengthwise and place in a shallow pan with the stock and the rosemary. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 25 minutes, or until the leeks are tender. Remove and discard the rosemary, reserving the stock. Remove the leeks and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces. Puree 2⁄3 of the leeks, all of the stock and 2 tablespoons of the butter until smooth (or, just use an immersion blender - no need to chop the leeks). Place the soup in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, or until warm, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

For the mushrooms, sweat the shallots in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium sauté pan over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spoon some of the mushrooms into the center of each bowl and top with the remaining leeks. Ladle the soup into the bowls and drizzle with the olive oil.

NOTE: Oyster mushrooms are light in texture and flavor. If you can’t find them in your grocery store, hedgehog or chanterelle mushrooms would work just as well. If these lighter styles of mushrooms are not available, use julienned shiitake mushrooms.