WIld Mushroom Orzo

This is what I created with the other two mushrooms. I had the porcini and matsutake left and this one I made a another simple easy dish. I used the broth that was made after dehydrating this as the base. It's sort of reminiscent of risotto. I have made something similar before and I have found orzo to be of great use. I think it's become of my favorite pastas.

Serves 2

Wild Mushroom Orzo

1/2 oz dried porcini mushrooms
1/2 oz dried matsutake mushrooms
1 c uncooked orzo
1 large beefy tomato - seeded and chopped
1 large garlic cloves - minced
3 c water -- for stock
2 Tbsp Oyster sauce
1 Tbsp Ponzu sauce
1 Tbsp Soy sauce
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dry thyme
1/2 tsp dry oregano


First rehydrate the mushrooms. Do do so in a small pot, boil the water. Once boiling, turn off the heat and place the dried mushrooms in the water. Soak the mushrooms for 30 minutes. Drain on a paper towel and set aside. Do not throw away water, you will use the mushroom stock to cook the orzo.

Heat a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Saute the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the tomato and saute until it is slightly cooked down. Add the mushrooms and the orzo and stir occasionally. Slowly add 1/2 cup of the mushroom stock and and stir. do this until you have added all the stock. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the stock as been fully absorbed and the orzo is cooked.

The add the oyster sauce, ponzu and soy sauce. Stir in the dry thyme and oregano stir to fully combine. Then season with the pepper.

It should be a slightly creamy consistency. Serve warm.