Author's Notes: This dish is decadent and delicious with earthy layers of flavor perfect for a cold night in! The key to this recipe is low and slow, infusing each layer with flavor that builds into a rich and comforting symphony for your taste buds. As the soup simmers gently on the stove, the aromas waft through your kitchen, creating a cozy ambiance that complements the warmth it brings to your palate.
Brian’s Savory Mushroom Bacon Chowder Print Recipe
** Available at LeRoux Kitchen
Preparation:
- In a 5qt Chef’s oven, sauté bacon pieces to render fat until slightly browned. Remove bacon pieces from pot using a slotted spoon. Set bacon aside.
- In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of butter before adding your chopped onions. Cook onions on low to medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes until caramelized. Onions should be translucent and slightly browned.
- Deglaze with red wine. Sauté for 2-3 minutes (Optional)
- Add minced garlic. Stir to combine and cook until garlic is fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour, thyme, oregano, salt, and fennel seed. Stir to combine and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Add in mushrooms and 2-3 additional tablespoons butter, stir to combine all ingredients. Cook until mushrooms have softened and reduced by half, stirring regularly, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add 18 Year Balsamic**, Worcestershire sauce, Roasted Sesame Oil**, and Scallion Aioli. Stir to combine and continue to cook another 5 minutes.
- Add in beef broth and heavy cream, stir to combine all ingredients well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend all ingredients in the pot to desired smoothness. Taste for seasoning.
- Add bacon pieces back into the pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Garnish with finely shredded Pecorino Romano cheese, finely chopped chives, toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of Rosemary Olive Oil**. Serve with toasted bread crostini.