Slow Cooker Mushroom Soup with Sherry

This comforting and creamy slow-cooker soup is loaded with earthy, umami flavor from a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms. Garnish with additional black pepper and chopped fresh thyme, if desired.

Ingreadient

  • 3 cups boiling water, divided
  • 2 cups dried porcini mushrooms (about 1½ ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1¾ teaspoons salt
  • 1½ teaspoons ground pepper, plus more for garnish
  • 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups sliced shallots (about 8 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
  • ⅔ cup dry sherry
  • 3 pounds assorted fresh mushrooms (such as cremini, portobello, shiitake and button), sliced
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)