WILD MUSHROOM-POTATO KUGEL

Steps:

• Soak the mushrooms in two cups of hot water for one hour, until soft; strain through a sieve lined with paper towel or a coffee filter.
• Reserve the soaking liquid.
• Rinse the mushrooms, pat them dry and chop them coarsely.
• Heat the 4 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onions and saute, stirring, until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
• Transfer the onions to a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
• In the same skillet, place the mushrooms, garlic and mushroom liquid.
• Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Generously oil the bottom and sides of a heavy baking dish (a 13" x 9" lasagna pan for example) (an enamelled, cast iron pan works best).
• Grate the potatoes, transfer to a colander, rinse well, drain, and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible with your hands.
• Combine potatoes in a large bowl with the onions, eggs, and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper.
• Place the baking pan (empty) in the oven for a moment or two until the oil is just sizzling.
• Remove the pan from the oven and layer half the potato mixture in the pan.
• Spread the mushrooms over the potatoes, then add the remaining potato mixture, smoothing the top.
• Drizzle a little olive oil on the top and bake the kugel about 50 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
• Remove from the oven and let stand, until it reaches room temperature, at least 30 minutes.
• Reheat 15 minutes at 350°F before serving.