Mushroom Hot Pot

Now that Fall is upon us in the northern hemisphere it’s time to make some soups and stews that we banish during the hot, summer months.  One of my favorite mixes of flavors is coconut-lemongrass-lime, so I love this low-acid version of a mushroom hot pot that eschews the onion, peppers, and tomato found in the traditional Vietnamese version.  The star anise is the surprising star of the show here, so don’t neglect to add it if you can find some!  It livens up the taste with a hint of tart licorice that won’t upset a delicate stomach.

I like to serve this with a variety of steamed vegetables and toasted nuts, either on the side or thrown right in.  Fresh basil and bean sprouts are a great addition if you want a more “authentic” version.

Ingredients:

4 cups veg broth
1 T cornstarch
1 T toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
2 T minced lemongrass
1 T minced ginger root
2 star anise
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 lb mixed mushrooms (white button, shitake, portabello)
2 T low sodium tamari
pinch of ground black pepper
15 oz can lite coconut milk
juice of 1/4 lime
Salt to taste

cooked brown rice
toasted cashews
steamed kale or other greens
sliced, steamed carrots
diced celery

Directions:

1. Preheat a 4 quart pot over medium heat.
2. Pour broth in large bowl, setting aside 1 cup.  Whisk cornstarch with 1 cup broth until dissolved and then pour mixture into larger bowl of broth, stirring well.  Set aside.
3. In large, preheated pot, saute ginger and lemongrass in toasted sesame oil for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in broth mixture and add mushrooms, granulated garlic, star anise, cinnamon, tamari, and black pepper.  Stir until it’s thickened a little, about 10 minutes.
5. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer and cook covered for 1/2 hour.  (Meanwhile, cook rice, prepare veggies, toast cashews, or whatever floats your boat.)
6. Add coconut milk (don’t forget to shake it before opening the can!), lime, and taste for salt.  Serve with rice and top with other accoutrements.