John Miller
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, and roasting. They are also a healthy food option, as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Mushrooms are also a good source of protein and can help boost the immune system with their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, they are high in prebiotic fiber, which is essential for a healthy gut. When cooked in butter, mushrooms can be a flavorful and healthy dish. The butter adds a rich, savory flavor and can be infused with garlic for an extra twist. However, it is important to note that the cooking method and amount of butter used can affect the healthiness of the dish. Overall, mushrooms cooked in butter can be a tasty and nutritious option when consumed in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Mushrooms are best when cooked in lots of fat, over medium heat, slowly and patiently. |
| Nutrients | Mushrooms are high in vitamin C, zinc, B-vitamins, selenium, potassium, and even protein. They are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. |
| Health Benefits | Mushrooms help boost the immune system with their anti-inflammatory properties. They are also fantastic for gut health, as they are high in prebiotic fiber. |
| Calories | A serving of 0.5 recipe has 261 kcal. A serving of 1/2 cup has 111 kcal. |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g per serving of 0.5 recipe. 5 g per serving of 1/2 cup. |
| Protein | 7 g per serving of 0.5 recipe. 4 g per serving of 1/2 cup. |
| Fat | 24 g per serving of 0.5 recipe. 10 g per serving of 1/2 cup. |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g per serving of 0.5 recipe. 4 g per serving of 1/2 cup. |
| Sodium | 295 mg per serving of 0.5 recipe. 288 mg per serving of 1/2 cup. |
| Fiber | 3 g per serving of 0.5 recipe. 1 g per serving of 1/2 cup. |
| Sugar | 4 g per serving of 0.5 recipe. 3 g per serving of 1/2 cup. |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg per serving of 1/2 cup. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are a superfood, packed with vitamins, potassium and fibre
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, an important component for bone and immune health. They contain selenium, vitamin B6, and choline, which can help with muscle movement, learning, and memory. Selenium can help prevent cell damage, and vitamin B6 helps our bodies form red blood cells. Choline assists in maintaining the structure of cellular membranes and plays a role in transmitting nerve impulses.
The potassium in mushrooms is also beneficial for cardiovascular health. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Mushrooms are also a rich source of fibre, protein, and antioxidants, which can help to improve the efficiency of the immune system.
Mushrooms are a low-calorie food, making them a great option for weight loss. They are also a good source of folate, which is important for fetal health during pregnancy. When cooking mushrooms, it is best to cook them slowly and patiently in butter or olive oil over medium heat until they are very tender and release their flavour.
Overall, mushrooms are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal, offering a range of health benefits that make them a true superfood.
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Butter or olive oil? Both have their benefits
Mushrooms are best cooked in fat and over medium heat until they are tender and browned. While butter and olive oil are the two most common types of fat used for cooking mushrooms, they have different effects on the dish's flavor and health profile.
Butter is made up of 63% saturated fat, whereas olive oil only has 14%. Olive oil also contains heart-healthy monounsaturated good fats and antioxidants, which can lower inflammation, improve blood cholesterol levels, stabilize heart rhythms, and more. On the other hand, butter's high saturated fat content is shown to lead to heart disease and other health issues. Therefore, olive oil is considered a healthier option, especially extra virgin olive oil, which contains high amounts of polyphenols. These are antioxidants that increase levels of good, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which lowers heart risk.
However, when it comes to taste, some people prefer the richer flavor of butter, while others find that olive oil tastes fresher. In addition, olive oil has a lower flashpoint than butter, and it can start to smoke and break down at lower temperatures. Therefore, it is not always suitable for baking at high heat.
When cooking mushrooms, some recipes call for olive oil to be used first, as it has a higher smoke point than butter. The butter is then added later to embellish the dish. This method allows the mushrooms to get a nice brown sear without burning the butter.
In conclusion, while olive oil is generally considered the healthier option, both fats have their benefits. Olive oil is better suited for cooking mushrooms at high temperatures, while butter adds a rich flavor to the dish. Ultimately, the choice between butter and olive oil depends on the desired flavor and cooking method.
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How to cook: be generous with butter, cook slowly and patiently
To cook mushrooms with butter, it's important to be generous with the butter and to cook the mushrooms slowly and patiently. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or cloth. If they are very dirty, you can wash them under running water, but make sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking. You can slice the mushrooms or cut them into quarters if they are large.
Next, heat butter in a large skillet or pan over medium to medium-high heat. You can also add some olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil, as butter burns more easily at high temperatures. When the butter has melted and starts to foam, add minced or crushed garlic and any herbs or spices you like, such as thyme, rosemary, or black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Now it's time to add the mushrooms. Toss them in the butter and herb mixture, coating them evenly. Spread the mushrooms into a single layer in the pan. Cook the mushrooms without stirring for about 4 minutes to get a nice sear. Then, give them a quick stir and let them cook for another 2 minutes. If you're cooking in butter only, stir the mushrooms occasionally as they brown, cooking until tender and the liquid they release has evaporated. This should take about 7 minutes. If you're using a combination of butter and oil, you can let the mushrooms cook without stirring for 8-9 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 8-9 minutes.
Finally, garnish the mushrooms with chopped parsley and serve. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra flavour. Enjoy your delicious and healthy buttered mushrooms!
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Best mushrooms to use: cremini, baby bella, or a mix
When it comes to choosing the best mushrooms for cooking in butter, there are a few types that are particularly well-suited: cremini, baby bella, or a mix of these. These mushrooms are not only delicious but also have some impressive health benefits.
Let's start with cremini mushrooms. Creminis, also known as crimini mushrooms, are Agaricus bisporus, which is the same type of mushroom as the familiar white button mushrooms and the larger portobellos. The key difference is their stage of maturity. Cremini mushrooms are more mature than white mushrooms but not as mature as portobellos. They have a darker colour, a meatier texture, and a more intense flavour. Cremini mushrooms are widely available and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are excellent when sautéed, baked, roasted, or stewed. Cremini mushrooms also pack a nutritional punch, containing 15 different vitamins, minerals, and essential phytonutrients.
Now, let's talk about baby bella mushrooms. Baby bellas are, in fact, another name for cremini mushrooms. They are called "baby" because they are the last stage of maturity before becoming full-grown portobellos. Baby bella mushrooms have a light to dark brown cap with a short white stem and small brown gills underneath. Their flavour is mild and earthy, with a meaty texture. Like creminis, baby bellas are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses. They are also a good source of nutrients, containing those beneficial phytonutrients.
So, should you use cremini, baby bella, or a mix? The answer is that all are excellent choices and will result in delicious, buttery mushrooms. Using a mix of cremini and baby bella mushrooms can add a nice variety of textures and flavours to your dish. However, if you only have one type available, that's perfectly fine too. Both varieties share similar characteristics and will provide a tasty and healthy addition to your meal.
When cooking mushrooms in butter, it's important to be generous with the butter and cook them slowly and patiently over medium heat. This allows the mushrooms to release their flavour and achieve a tender golden brown sear. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavour of your buttery mushrooms.
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Versatile side dish: pairs well with steak, chicken, seafood, and more
Mushrooms cooked in butter are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses, including steak, chicken, and seafood. They can also be added to other dishes to enhance their flavour.
When cooked in butter, mushrooms take on a rich, savoury flavour that complements a range of proteins. Steak is a classic pairing, with the juicy meat and the earthy mushrooms creating a hearty, satisfying dish. Chicken, whether roasted, fried, or grilled, also goes well with buttery mushrooms, especially when paired with herbs like thyme and parsley.
Seafood, such as salmon, cod, shrimp, and scallops, is another excellent match for buttery mushrooms. The delicate flavours of seafood are enhanced by the savoury notes of the mushrooms, creating a sophisticated and tasty dish.
Additionally, buttery mushrooms can be added to pasta, rice, quinoa, or bruschetta to give these dishes a flavour boost. They can also be used as a topping for pizza or stirred into scrambled eggs for a luxurious breakfast or brunch option.
The key to cooking mushrooms in butter is to be generous with the butter and to cook the mushrooms slowly and patiently over medium heat. This allows the mushrooms to release their liquid and become tender, absorbing the butter and developing a deep, savoury flavour.
Overall, mushrooms cooked in butter make a versatile and tasty side dish that can be paired with a wide range of main courses or used to enhance the flavour of other dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are a superfood, packed with nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and protein. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are great for gut health. However, butter is high in fat and calories, so while mushrooms with butter can be part of a healthy diet, they should be consumed in moderation.
Common varieties like white (button), cremini, or baby bella mushrooms are great for sautéing. You can also mix it up with trumpet, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms.
First, melt butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add your mushrooms, garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook until tender and golden brown. This should take around 7-12 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Mushrooms cooked in butter make a great side dish for steak, chicken, salmon, or lamb. They also pair well with scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
