Simple Shiitake Sauce

This flavorful mushroom sauce takes advantage of both the reconstituted Shiitake and the resulting richly flavored soaking liquid. Use it to sauce meats, fish, tofu or assertive vegetables such as cabbage or bok choy. Of course, it's also delicious on pasta!

1 c. dried Shiitake
1 c. boiling water
¼ c. chopped onion
1 clove garlic
½ tsp. each of sugar, soy sauce, and salt
1 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. butter
¼ c. grated Asiago or Parmesan (optional)

Pour boiling water over the dried Shiitake mushrooms and soak for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, sauté the garlic and onions in the butter until aromatic. Add seasonings. Strain the soak water from the mushrooms, reserving the liquid. Slice all of the mushrooms, discarding the stems. Add them to the pan and sprinkle with the flour, sautéing the mixture for a few minutes. Slowly add the cream and reserved soaking liquid, and cook until the sauce reaches a desired consistency. Add cheese and serve!