Name: Skate with Wild Mushrooms in Pearl Sauce
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 small leek (white and pale green parts only), chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium carrot, chopped; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 1 garlic clove; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprig; 1 fresh thyme sprig; 1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf; 1 tablespoon crumbled dried porcini*; 1 tablespoon quick-cooking tapioca; 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 6 oz mixed fresh mushrooms, such as oyster and chanterelle, trimmed and halved lengthwise or quartered if large; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1 celery rib, thinly sliced diagonally; 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon curry powder; 2 (5- to 6-oz) pieces skate fillet, halved crosswise if large; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Skate with Wild Mushrooms in Pearl SauceMartyn Thompson

In adding translucent pearls of tapioca to the mushroom broth in this recipe, we've borrowed one of chef Daniel Boulud's methods for giving body to a light sauce.

Cooks' note:

Broth (without tapioca) can be made 2 days ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.