Ingredients
1 ounce dried porcini
mushrooms
One (20 to 24-ounce) loaf rustic white bread, crust removed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 large onion, chopped
1 pound button or cremini mushrooms, rinsed and sliced
¼ cup chopped marjoram
6 large eggs
3 cups milk, whole or low fat
1 tablespoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1) Preheat the oven to 375°F. Put the mushrooms in a 2 cup liquid
measuring cup and fill it with hot water. Dice the bread into rough 1-inch
cubes. Smear the interior of a large shallow baking dish (at least 9 × 13
inches) with 2 tablespoons of the butter.
2) Lift the dried mushrooms out of their soaking liquid so that any grit
they have released stays at the bottom of the cup. Chop them finely. Pour the
mushroom soaking liquid through a fine strainer, agitating it as little as
possible and keeping the last ½ cup or so of liquid behind.
3) Melt the remaining butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook
the onion in it until it softens, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced button
mushrooms and the chopped porcini and cook them for another 5 minutes. Pour in
the strained liquid and simmer for another 5 minutes. Stir in the marjoram and
turn off the heat.
4) Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together in a very large mixing
bowl. Stir in the cooked mushrooms and onion. Add the bread cubes and gently
toss them with a rubber spatula. Pour the pudding into the buttered baking dish.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until browned on the top and firm to the touch in
the center.
Chef Comments
Like a cross between a glorious Thanksgiving stuffing and a savory mushroom custard, this bread pudding is appropriate in any season. It is perfect if you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary side dish to serve on a buffet or to pass at a large dinner. To make it ahead, bake the casserole when you first mix the ingredients together and reheat it before serving.