Magical Maitake Mushroom and Garlic Scape Soup

Mmmm mushrooms.  There's a fancy mushroom stand at this year's farmer's market.  Yeah, the exotic 'shrooms are a little pricey, but well worth it.  I picked up some Japanese Maitake Mushrooms or "hen of the woods" and was a very happy shopper.

    

My normal soup preference is to smash a bunch of vegetables to oblivion in the vita mix and call it a potage, but the unique texture of the maitake mushrooms begged to be savored in a warming garlicky broth.   

I got to thinking about the mushroom texture, and it is a bit reminiscent of shredded chicken.  Perhaps that's how they got the moniker hen of the woods.  I'll have to experiment with that another time.  

Magical Maitake Mushroom Soup

6-8 fresh garlic scapes

1/2 pound fresh maitake mushrooms

1 Tbs olive oil

1/2 tsp dried herb mix such as herbs de provence or similar thyme based seasoning

Soy sauce or salt to taste

Chop the scapes into small pieces and saute in olive oil in a soup pan.  Break apart the mushrooms and add to the scapes.  Saute for a few minutes.  Add enough water or veg broth to cover and simmer for 15-30 minutes.  Add seasonings and salt or soy sauce to taste.  Serve garnished with fresh chives.