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1
In a small heatproof bowl, cover the porcini with the boiling water and let stand until softened, about 20 minutes.
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2
Drain the porcini, straining and reserving the soaking liquid.
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3
Coarsely chop the porcini.
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4
Preheat the oven to 400.
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5
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
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6
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
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7
Add the chicken and cook over moderately high heat, turning once, until browned, about 8 minutes.
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8
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
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9
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.
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10
Add the white mushrooms and cook over moderately high heat until browned in spots, about 5 minutes.
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11
Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook over moderate heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
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12
Add the porcini and season with salt and pepper.
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13
Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
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14
Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet.
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15
Stir in the chicken stock, thyme sprigs and the porcini soaking liquid and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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16
Simmer until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
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17
Spoon the chicken into a medium baking dish; discard the thyme sprigs.
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18
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cover the potatoes and parsnips with cold water and bring to a boil.
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19
Cook over moderately high heat until very tender, about 15 minutes.
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20
Drain and return the vegetables to the pot.
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21
Cook over low heat until they look dry, about 1 minute.
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22
Remove from the heat.
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23
Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and mash the vegetables until smooth.
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24
Season with salt and pepper.
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25
Spoon the parsnip mash over the chicken and smooth the surface.
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26
Bake for 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly.
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27
Turn on the broiler.
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28
Broil the shepherd's pie 4 inches from the heat for about 2 minutes, until browned in spots.
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29
Serve piping hot.