Mushroom Stew: Should You Add Them?

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews. Mushroom stew is a delicious and filling vegetarian meal that can be made with an array of mushrooms, such as cremini, chanterelle, oyster, and shiitake. The mushrooms are typically cooked in butter or oil until golden brown, and then added to a broth with herbs and white wine. Some recipes also include meat, such as beef stew with mushrooms, which is a hearty and flavorful dish. Whether served as a vegetarian meal or with meat, mushroom stew is a comforting and tasty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Types of mushrooms for stew

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews. When making a mushroom stew, it is important to consider the type of mushrooms you use as they can significantly impact the flavour and texture of the dish. Here are some of the most commonly used mushrooms for stews:

Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby portabello mushrooms, are a popular choice for stews due to their earthy and meaty flavour. They have a brown colour and a more intense flavour compared to white mushrooms, making them perfect for adding depth to a stew. Cremini mushrooms are often used in vegan stews to create a "beef-like" texture.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are another type of brown mushroom that is commonly used in stews. They have a distinct umami flavour and a chewy texture, adding substance to the dish. Shiitake mushrooms are also known for their health benefits, including being a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Chanterelle Mushrooms

Chanterelle mushrooms are known for their delicate flavour and light colour. They have a nutty and slightly fruity taste that can enhance the flavour of a mushroom stew. Chanterelle mushrooms are often used in combination with other mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, to create a well-rounded dish.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms have a delicate texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavour. They are often used in stews and pair well with other ingredients such as garlic and herbs. Oyster mushrooms are also a good source of dietary fibre and antioxidants.

Wild Mushrooms

Using wild mushrooms in a stew can add a boost of flavour. Wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles, can be sautéed and added to the stew to create a unique and earthy dish. Combining wild mushrooms with cultivated mushrooms can be a great way to balance flavour and texture.

When making a mushroom stew, it is important to properly clean and prepare the mushrooms, removing any dirt and trimming the tough stems. Sautéing the mushrooms before adding them to the stew can also enhance their flavour and help them develop a rich, golden brown colour.

Preparing mushrooms for stew

Once cleaned, the mushrooms are ready for cooking. Heat some oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Adding too many mushrooms at once should be avoided, as this will cause them to steam instead of brown. Instead, add the mushrooms in batches, ensuring they are in a single layer in the pan. Cook until they develop a golden brown colour, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

For a vegan option, vegan butter can be used in place of regular butter. Additionally, a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, chanterelle, oyster, or shiitake, can be used to add a unique flavour to the stew.

In terms of seasoning, salt and pepper are essential, and fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can further enhance the flavour. Cooking the mushrooms in wine, especially white wine, is also a popular choice, adding a depth of flavour to the dish.

Overall, preparing mushrooms for stew is a straightforward process that can be easily customised to one's taste preferences.

Beef stew with mushrooms

Ingredients:

• Beef chuck roast marbled with fat
• Carrots
• Baby Yukon potatoes
• Mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Red wine
• Beef stock
• Garlic cloves
• Cornstarch
• Thyme
• Bay leaves
• Parsley

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F and set a rack in the lower middle position.
• Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
• In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
• In batches, brown the meat for about 5 minutes per batch.
• Add garlic and mushrooms, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 3-4 minutes.
• Whisk in flour and tomato paste until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
• Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the stockpot.
• Stir in beef stock, thyme, and bay leaves.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until the beef is very tender, about 30 minutes.
• Stir in potatoes; simmer until potatoes are just tender and stew has thickened, about 20 minutes.
• Remove and discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
• Stir in parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Serve immediately with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Tips:

• You can use a combination of different types of mushrooms, such as cremini, chanterelle, oyster, and/or stemmed shiitake.
• It's important to choose the right cut of meat with a decent amount of fat running through it. This will help the meat become tender during the slow-cooking process.
• You can also add other vegetables like celery and onions to the stew.

Vegan mushroom stew

Mushrooms are a great ingredient to include in stews, and they can easily be incorporated into vegan dishes. To make a vegan mushroom stew, you'll need a variety of ingredients and about 30 minutes to prepare this delicious, hearty meal.

Firstly, prepare your mushrooms. Wild mushrooms, such as oyster, lion's mane, chanterelles, or dried mushrooms, work well. You can also use cultivated varieties like white button, cremini, shiitake, portobello, or porcini mushrooms. Clean the mushrooms by removing any dirt with a brush. If they are very dirty, quickly rinse them with water, but try to keep them as dry as possible as mushrooms absorb water.

Next, heat some oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or vegan butter. Add the mushrooms in a single layer, ensuring they don't overcrowd the pan, and cook until they develop a golden brown color. You may need to do this in batches. If using dried mushrooms, rehydrate them before adding them to the pot.

Now, it's time to add the aromatics. Sauté some diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden. You can also add other aromatics like garlic, shallots, or leeks. Then, stir in some tomato paste and cook for another minute or two.

For extra flavor, add spices like smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic. You can also add herbs like thyme, parsley, bay leaves, or juniper berries. If you want a thicker stew, sprinkle in some flour and stir well.

Pour in your choice of liquid to create the stew's base. You can use vegetable broth, vegan beef-style broth, or red wine for a richer flavor. If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, substitute the wine with balsamic vinegar and additional vegetable broth. Bring the stew to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Finally, add any additional vegetables you like. Carrots, celery, and potatoes are great options, but you can also add peas or sweet potatoes for a colorful and nutritious stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your vegan mushroom stew with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a bed of quinoa or rice. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that can be made in large batches and frozen for busy weeknights. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions for mushroom stew

Mushroom stew is a hearty, vegetarian dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Polenta or Pasta

One popular way to serve mushroom stew is with polenta. You can whisk polenta into boiling vegetable stock and cook until it thickens and absorbs the stock. Serve the mushroom stew ladled over the polenta, garnished with fresh parsley. Alternatively, you can simply serve the polenta on the side or accompany it with pasta.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another great option to serve with mushroom stew. You can spoon the stew over a bed of mashed potatoes, or serve them on the side. For a unique twist, consider using sweet mashed potatoes.

Rice

Rice is a simple and versatile side dish that can accompany mushroom stew. It can be a great option for those who want a filling and satisfying meal.

Crust Bread

Warm and crusty bread is a perfect side to mop up the delicious mushroom stew. It adds a hearty and comforting element to the meal. If you have any leftovers, the mushroom stew can be served on top of toast with a fried egg for a savoury breakfast.

Meat

While mushroom stew is often served as a vegetarian dish, you can also pair it with meat. Beef, especially sirloin, is a popular choice to include in the stew. Other meats, such as pork, can also be served on the side to add a protein element to the meal.

Frequently asked questions