1) To make crispy shallots, cook in a thin layer of olive oil until golden (not too high of a heat, or they can easily burn). Set aside, on a paper towel.For the soup:In a Dutch Oven, heat a little bit of olive oil and butter-- just enough for a thin coating. Cook the mushrooms for about 3-5 minutes, until golden. Set aside.Using the same pot, add a little more olive oil and saute the sliced shallots until tender.

2) Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.Season with a little kosher salt, pepper and dried thyme.

3) Add the flour, stir and cook for about one minute.Return the mushrooms to the cooked shallots, add tomato paste and about 1 cup of the chicken stock. Stir to combine.All the remaining chicken stock and simmer for about 10 minutes.Puree the soup in batches, carefully, in a blender. I prefer to use an immersion blender right into the pot, which is so much simpler!Puree to your liking-- I leave small chunks of mushroom.

4) Add the heavy cream/half & half.

5) Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche and the crispy shallots on top.