RECIPE

© Maria Robledo

Mushroom, Leek and Parmesan Bread Pudding

• Recipe by Max London

Ingredients

1. 1 cup dried porcini mushrooms (1 ounce)
2. 1 1/2 cups hot water
3. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4. 4 medium leeks, white and tender green parts, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
5. Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
6. 4 garlic cloves, minced
7. 1 pound assorted mushrooms, such as oysters, chanterelles and stemmed shiitakes, thickly sliced
8. 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
9. 1/2 cup dry white wine
10. One 9-ounce baguette, cut into 1-inch dice
11. 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
12. 2 cups heavy cream
13. 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (6 ounces)
14. 2 tablespoons finely chopped thyme leaves
15. 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

1. In a small bowl, soak the dried porcini in the hot water until softened, about 30 minutes. Drain and finely chop the mushrooms, discarding any tough bits.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet. Add the leeks and a pinch each of salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the assorted mushrooms and chopped porcini and cook over high heat, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their liquid. Pour in the wine and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°. Lightly butter a 3-quart baking dish. Spread the diced bread in the baking dish and spoon the mushrooms on top. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the cream, 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the thyme and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Pour the custard over the mushrooms. Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the custard and let the bread pudding soak for 30 minutes.
4. Discard the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and the parsley on top of the pudding. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead

The recipe can be prepared through Step 3 and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Serve With

A tossed green salad.