I love using mushrooms in meatless dishes, because they bring a certain meatiness to the meal, so for those of us who are still carnivores by nature, are  fooled into eating a meal without meat.
Last year while developing a series of recipes for a company that grows exotic mushrooms, I was exposed to shiitake, portebello and oyster mushrooms and I must say, these mushrooms all have such unique flavors that it was a challenge, but a challenge that I enjoyed thoroughly.
I am still drooling over the delicious Red Wine Risotto with Pan fried Shiitake, not to mention the Fritata with exotic mushrooms I made for breakfast one Saturday morning. Having cooked with the exotic mushrooms, made it difficult for me to use ordinary button mushrooms again, but when I found a 1kg/2lbs bag lying at our market, I couldn't resist. Because the button mushrooms have a such delicate flavor, I knew I had to partner it up with a zingy flavor and what better flavor to use in a comforting winter soup than smoked paprika. I have an imported paprika that a friends sent from Spain and not only does it have a very intense smokiness, but it has quite a bite too...just perfect.


Mushroom Soup with Smoked paprika

1 kg/2lbs button mushrooms - or mixed if you are so lucky to have some
2 cloves of garlic - crushed
1 large onion - chopped finely
1 heaped tsp smoked paprika
fresh thyme
olive oil
1 liter full milk
250gr cream
2 heaped tbsp cornflour
salt and pepper to taste
a squeeze of lemon juice

Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and slice. Heat a pot on the stove and add the olive oil. Saute the onions and garlic, thyme and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Add the mushrooms and brown. Mix the corn flour with a little water and add to the milk. Add the milk and cornflour mixture to the pot and allow to cook on a low heat until the soup has thickened. Just before serving, add the lemon juice, taste and season if it is needed. Add the cream and stir through. Serve with warm ciabatta and a good grinding of black pepper.


3. Mushroom Cheesas