Porcini Mushroom Latkes with Mushroom Salad and Chive "Cream"

Ingredients for Porcini Mushroom Latkes with Mushroom Salad and Chive "Cream"

• 30g dried porcini mushrooms

• 900g russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

• 325g chopped onions, divided

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon plain flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• 1 cup nondairy soured cream

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

• 50ml (or more) white wine vinegar, divided

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 small garlic cloves, pressed

• 230g fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps sliced

• 230g crimini mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cups (packed) baby greens

• Ingredient info: Dried porcini mushrooms are available in the produce section of many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and italian markets.

Combine porcini and boiling water in bowl. Soak until soft, about 30 minutes. Strain, pressing out all liquid. Chop porcini.

Blend potatoes and 80g onions in processor until finely ground and some liquid forms. Turn mixture out onto kitchen towel. Gather towel around and squeeze mixture very dry. Scrape into large bowl. Add 240g onions and next 4 ingredients. Stir until batter becomes moist. Add porcini.

Pour enough oil into heavy large skillet to coat bottom; heat over medium-high heat. Working in batches, drop potato mixture into skillet by scant 60ml fuls. Flatten into 2 1/2-inch rounds. Cook until golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to large baking sheet. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm in 204°C oven until crisp, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Stir nondairy soured cream, chives, and 1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar in small bowl to blend.

Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and all mushrooms; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons vinegar; toss. Season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar, if desired.

Overlap latkes on plates. Mound greens alongside; top with mushrooms. Serve with chive cream.

Try a full-bodied kosher white wine, like the BARON HERZOG 2007 CENTRAL COAST CHARDONNAY (California $13).

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.