Lemon And Mushrooms: A Perfect Pairing?

Mushrooms and lemons are two ingredients that can be combined in a variety of ways. While some people argue that the two flavours don't go well together, others have created recipes that combine the two, such as lemon-garlic mushrooms, lemon-pepper mushrooms, and roasted mushrooms with lemon butter sauce. The addition of lemon juice to mushrooms can help to enhance their flavour and colour, but it can also be overpowering if used in excess. When combined with butter, lemon can create a velvety sweetness that complements the savoury flavour of mushrooms.

Lemon butter sauce

Lemon and mushrooms can be combined in a dish, but the general consensus is to add lemon juice or zest to the mushrooms at the end of the cooking process to finish, rather than cooking the mushrooms with lemon.

To make a basic lemon butter sauce, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add a diced small shallot and cook until softened, stirring frequently. Next, add two minced garlic cloves and continue cooking until the shallot and garlic are light golden brown. Pour in the juice of two to three lemons (or three tablespoons of lemon juice) and a cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce is reduced by half. While whisking, add the remaining butter and continue whisking until all the butter is melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This sauce can be served with a variety of dishes, including pasta, couscous, rice, and vegetables. It is also commonly paired with fish, chicken, and steak. The sauce can be made vegan by substituting regular butter with vegan butter and omitting the addition of salt.

Lemon zest

One popular way to use lemon zest with mushrooms is to create a lemon butter sauce. This involves cooking the mushrooms in butter and then adding lemon juice and zest to create a tangy and velvety sauce. The sauce can be served with bread for dipping or as a side dish.

Another way to use lemon zest with mushrooms is to create a dressing by whisking together ingredients such as olive oil, rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper. The mushrooms are then tossed with the dressing and grilled to perfection. This method creates a tasty and healthy side dish with just 94 calories per serving.

Lemon juice

When using lemon juice with mushrooms, it is important to consider the other ingredients in the dish. For example, butter or olive oil can be added to cut through the tanginess of the lemon juice. Additionally, the type of mushroom used can also affect the flavour profile of the dish. Different varieties of mushrooms have distinct flavours and textures that can pair better or worse with lemon juice.

One popular recipe that combines mushrooms and lemon juice is the one-pan roasted mushrooms with lemon butter sauce. This dish is simple to prepare and packs a lot of flavours. It involves roasting or sautéing mushrooms with butter and lemon juice, creating a velvety sweetness that has made it a favourite among those who have tried it. The mushrooms are served with bread to dip into the remaining sauce, making it a delicious and indulgent treat.

In conclusion, lemon juice can be a great addition to mushrooms when used in moderation. It can enhance the flavour of the mushrooms and help them brown during cooking. However, it is important to consider the balance of flavours in the dish and adjust the amount of lemon juice used accordingly. When paired correctly, mushrooms and lemon juice can create a delicious and memorable culinary experience.

Lemon-pepper seasoning

Lemon and mushrooms can be combined in a variety of ways to create delicious dishes. However, some cooks advise against simply throwing sliced lemon into a sauté pan with mushrooms, as it can result in an overpowering lemon flavour. The key is to use lemon juice, zest, or a lemon-pepper seasoning in moderation, adding it towards the end of the cooking process to enhance the flavour of the mushrooms without making them bitter.

To use lemon-pepper seasoning with mushrooms, start by heating butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fresh, sliced mushrooms to the skillet in a single layer. Cooking the mushrooms in butter will not only prevent them from sticking to the pan but also add a rich, creamy flavour that complements the lemon and pepper notes.

Once the mushrooms are in the skillet, sprinkle them with lemon zest. The zest adds a bright, citrusy note without the acidity of lemon juice. Cook the mushrooms undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they are lightly browned. Then, add a pinch of salt and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender but not mushy. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Lemon-pepper mushrooms make a delicious side dish and can be served warm, garnished with chopped fresh chives. They also pair well with chicken, pork, or fish. For a heartier meal, try serving them alongside a steak or roasted vegetables. The bright flavour of the lemon-pepper seasoning will add a unique twist to your mushroom dishes and impress your family or guests.

Baking with lemon

A classic example of baking with lemons is the well-known Lemon Drizzle Cake, a British favourite, which uses lemon juice in the cake batter and a sweet-tart lemon glaze on top. Lemon juice can also be added to glazes and drizzles for other baked goods, like pastries, cupcakes, and cakes. Lemon curd is another versatile option, which can be used as a filling or topping for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries.

Lemon zest is another popular way to add lemon flavour to your baking. Zest can be infused into sugar or butter, adding a subtle lemon twist to your baked goods. When using both lemon juice and zest, it is recommended to zest the lemons first, as zesting is easier with whole lemons, and the zest will dry out quickly. Lemon zest can also be used on its own to add a burst of lemon flavour, as seen in recipes like lemon poppy seed cookies, lemon shortbread cookies, and lemon poppy seed cake.

Whole lemons can also be used in baking, as seen in recipes like Whole Meyer Lemon Bars. Meyer lemons are a hybrid variety that is less acidic and has a thinner, less bitter rind, making them well-suited for whole lemon recipes. However, when baking with whole lemons, it is important to use organic fruit to avoid pesticide residues, and to be mindful that some people may find the lemon peel bitter due to their bitter taste receptors.

Lemon desserts can range from cakes and cookies to pies and tarts, with options like Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Olive Oil Cake, Lemon Blueberry Cake, Lemon Icebox Pie, and Lemon Butter Pie. For a savoury option, lemon chicken dishes, pasta al limone, and lemon-garlic mushrooms are some tasty choices.

Frequently asked questions