Shiitake mushroom

With a deep brown cap, this mushroom has a meaty flesh that is full-bodied. The fresh and dried shiitakes are quite different and should not be substituted automatically. Its stems are tough and are removed but they add great flavour to stocks and sauces. To prepare dried shiitakes, wash them well, soak in hot water for at least 20 minutes until they are softened, then removed the tough, inedible stalks before use.