Embark on a culinary journey to the picturesque Aland Islands with the savory allure of Aland Sienikeitto, a delectable mushroom soup that captures the essence of Scandinavian flavors. This traditional Finnish dish combines locally foraged mushrooms with a medley of aromatic herbs, creating a rich and hearty soup that warms both body and soul. Join us in unraveling the secrets of this time-honored recipe, as we delve into the rustic charm and wholesome goodness that define Aland Sienikeitto. Prepare to be transported to the enchanting landscapes of the Aland archipelago with every spoonful of this comforting and nourishing delight.

Ingredients:

• 500g assorted wild mushrooms (such as chanterelles, porcini, or shiitake), cleaned and sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
• 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 liter vegetable or mushroom broth
• 200ml heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the wild mushrooms thoroughly and slice them into bite-sized pieces.

Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.

Add Mushrooms and Leek: Incorporate the sliced mushrooms and leek into the pot, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.

Introduce Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to create a roux, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Pour in Broth: Gradually pour in the vegetable or mushroom broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add bay leaves and dried thyme to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve: Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the hot Sienikeitto into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy the rich, earthy flavors of this delightful mushroom soup, reminiscent of the pristine wilderness of Scandinavia.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on factors like specific mushroom types, brands of ingredients, and preparation methods. However, here's a general estimate of the nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

Assorted Wild Mushrooms (500g):

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Potential immune-boosting properties.
• Good source of fiber.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation.
• Provides vitamins C and B, promoting overall health.
• Supports heart health and may lower blood sugar levels.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• May boost the immune system.
• Linked to improved heart health.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 28g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.
• Contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• May help lower bad cholesterol levels.

Leek (1 medium):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of vitamins A, K, and C.
• Contains folate and iron, supporting a healthy immune system.
• May contribute to heart health.

Potatoes (3 medium-sized):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 7g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C and potassium.
• Good source of fiber for digestive health.
• Provides energy and essential nutrients.

Vegetable or Mushroom Broth (1 liter):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Low in calories and a hydrating base for the soup.
• May provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Heavy Cream (200ml):

• Calories: 800
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 80g

benefits:

• Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
• Good source of calories for energy.
• Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Used for thickening the soup.
• Adds a small amount of dietary fiber.
• Contains some essential minerals.

Bay Leaves (2):

• Negligible caloric contribution

benefits:

• Adds flavor without additional calories.
• May have mild antimicrobial properties.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric contribution

benefits:

• Adds a savory flavor without added calories.
• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible caloric contribution

benefits:

• Enhances flavor.
• Sodium is essential for electrolyte balance.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish):

• Negligible caloric contribution

benefits:

• Adds freshness and color to the dish.
• Contains vitamins A, C, and K.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties

Remember, these values are rough estimates and may vary. Additionally, the serving size and specific types/brands of ingredients can impact the nutritional content. If you have specific dietary concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or use a nutritional calculator for precise information.