John Miller
Dried mushrooms are a great ingredient to have in your kitchen. They have a longer shelf life than fresh mushrooms and are a convenient option for cooking. They can be rehydrated and used in stocks and sauces, or ground into a powder and used as a seasoning. To make mushroom powder, dried mushrooms are placed in a food processor or blender and pulsed until they become a fine powder. The powder can then be stored in an airtight container and used to add flavour to various dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of dried mushrooms | Can be ground into powder for soups, broths, seasoning blends, or a functional mushroom boost to beverages |
| Rehydration | Soak in water, wine, or stock for 20-30 minutes for sliced or thin mushrooms, or several hours for dense whole mushrooms |
| Drying | Mushrooms can be dried in an oven or dehydrator until crisp, or bought pre-dried |
| Grinding | Use a coffee grinder, spice grinder, food processor, blender, or mortar and pestle |
| Storage | Store in an airtight glass jar, away from direct heat and light |
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What You'll Learn
Rehydrating dried mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are a versatile ingredient used in various dishes, from soups and sauces to pasta and rice. They are also a great way to add an umami flavour boost to your meals. Before using dried mushrooms, they must be rehydrated. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Step 1: Inspect and Clean the Mushrooms
Firstly, inspect your dried mushrooms for any dirt or debris, especially around the stem area. If there is visible dirt, rinse the mushrooms under a faucet, gently rubbing them to remove any grit. You can also place them in a strainer and run them under the faucet for a few seconds, tossing them to ensure all the grit is removed.
Step 2: Soak the Mushrooms
Place the cleaned mushrooms in a bowl, pot, or even a French press. Cover them with your desired liquid. You can use water, but room-temperature or cold water is recommended to preserve the mushrooms' texture and flavour. You can also use other liquids such as dry wine or stock to add additional flavour to your mushrooms as they rehydrate.
Let the mushrooms soak until they are tender. The soaking time will depend on the type and size of the mushroom and can range from 20 minutes to several hours. For example, sliced or thin mushrooms may need 20-30 minutes, while dense whole mushrooms may need several hours.
Step 3: Strain and Squeeze
Once the mushrooms are tender, remove them from the soaking liquid. Strain and squeeze out any excess liquid. Be sure to keep the soaking liquid, as it can be used in soups, sauces, or to cook rice.
Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms
Before consuming rehydrated mushrooms, it is important to cook them thoroughly. Dried mushrooms contain a substance called chitin, which human stomachs cannot digest. So, be sure to cook your mushrooms before adding them to your favourite recipes!
Tips:
- If you need to rehydrate mushrooms quickly, you can use warm or hot water, but this will affect the texture and flavour.
- The soaking liquid from the mushrooms is flavourful and can be used in various dishes.
- Dried mushrooms are often gritty, and it only takes a tiny amount to ruin a dish. Ensure your mushrooms are properly cleaned and soaked to remove any grit.
- Dried mushrooms are a great way to add flavour to dishes, but they may not be as flavourful on their own. Consider using a combination of dried and fresh mushrooms in your recipes.
- You can also grind dried mushrooms into a powder to use as a seasoning or flavour boost without the mushroom texture.
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Using a food processor or blender
To begin, ensure your mushrooms are thoroughly dried. Mushrooms should be crispy, leathery, and not spongy. Once you have confirmed that your mushrooms are dried, place them into the food processor or blender. It is recommended to grind the mushrooms in small batches to ensure an even texture. Secure the lid of your appliance and pulse or blend until you achieve a fine powder. This may take 20-40 seconds, depending on the quantity and the power of your appliance. Remember to pulse after 15-20 seconds to break up any larger bits.
After grinding, use a fine mesh sieve to collect any large pieces that may have been missed. Simply place the sieve over a large container and pour your blended mushrooms into it. Any remaining chunks can be returned to the food processor or blender and reblended.
Once you have achieved a fine powder, transfer your mushroom powder to an airtight container. Glass containers are preferable, as they help to preserve the freshness and increase the shelf life of the powder. Store your mushroom powder in a cool, dark place, and ensure it is out of direct light and heat. Properly stored dried mushrooms can last up to 12 months, allowing you to enjoy the earthy flavor and nutritional benefits of mushrooms for an extended period.
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Storing ground mushrooms
Ground mushrooms, also known as mushroom powder, can be made from any type of dried mushroom. They are a great way to add a kick of plant-based protein and dietary fibre to your meals without the strong umami flavour of fresh fungi.
To make ground mushrooms, dried mushrooms are placed in a clean coffee grinder or spice grinder. The ground mushrooms can then be stored in a plastic zipped bag or a plastic locking container. However, for maximum shelf life, it is recommended to use an airtight glass jar.
Store your jar away from direct heat and light, in a cabinet, and use within one month for the freshest experience.
Some people may prefer to freeze their ground mushrooms to further extend their shelf life.
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Soaking mushrooms in wine or stock
To get started, you'll need enough wine or stock to fully cover the mushrooms. This shouldn't be an issue, as dried mushrooms are rarely used in quantities of more than an ounce. Heat the liquid until it is warm, either in the microwave or on the stovetop, and then add your mushrooms. Allow them to steep for 5 to 15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly softened and plumped up.
The type of wine you use can be tailored to the dish you are preparing. For example, if you're making a mushroom and roasted garlic risotto, an oaked Chardonnay pairs well with earthy cremini and oyster mushrooms. For a rabbit stew, portobello mushrooms soaked in Merlot add a subtle spice. Red or white wine works well when preparing salmon, but a Pinot Noir rosé is a happy medium, cutting through the earthiness of shiitake mushrooms.
After soaking, be sure to strain the wine or stock, as it will be infused with the flavour of the mushrooms. You can then use this "mushroom liquor" in sauces or add it to the pot when cooking. Your mushrooms will now be ready to use in your favourite recipe, such as French onion and mushroom soup, beef stew, or mushroom ragu.
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Using ground mushrooms in cooking
Ground mushrooms can be used in cooking in a variety of ways to enhance the flavour of dishes. Here are some tips and ideas for using ground mushrooms in your cooking:
Making Ground Mushrooms
Firstly, you will need to dehydrate your mushrooms. You can buy pre-dehydrated mushrooms, or you can dry them yourself. To dry them, wipe the dust off your mushrooms with a damp paper towel, and then use a dehydrator or a low oven setting. Once dried, use a clean coffee grinder, spice grinder, or food processor to grind the mushrooms into a fine powder.
Stocks and Sauces
Ground mushrooms can be used to add flavour to stocks and sauces. Simply add the mushroom powder to your stock or sauce and stir through. This is a great way to add an extra savoury note to your dish without adding texture or large pieces of mushroom.
Seasoning
Mushroom powder can be used as a seasoning in a variety of dishes. Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables or use it as a rub for meats before grilling or frying. You could also add it to scrambled eggs or omelettes for a savoury boost.
Soups and Broths
Ground mushrooms are an excellent addition to soups and broths. They add a depth of flavour and a nutritional boost. Try adding some mushroom powder to your favourite soup recipe, or use it to thicken a broth.
Beverages
Ground mushrooms can also be added to beverages for a functional boost. Try adding a teaspoon to your morning smoothie or juice, or sprinkle some into your coffee or tea for a savoury twist.
Rehydrating
If you would like to use ground mushrooms as a substitute for fresh mushrooms in a recipe, you can rehydrate them first. Simply mix the mushroom powder with a small amount of water to form a paste, and then use this paste in place of fresh mushrooms in your recipe.
Cooking with Fresh Mushrooms
Of course, fresh mushrooms can also be cooked and added to a variety of dishes. Sautéing mushrooms in olive oil and butter with some garlic and herbs is a popular way to prepare them. They can then be added to pasta dishes, used as a topping for meats or potatoes, or simply enjoyed on their own as a side dish.
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Frequently asked questions
You can grind dried mushrooms into a powder using a food processor, blender, coffee grinder, spice grinder, knife, or mortar and pestle.
Dried mushrooms can last for six months to a year if stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
Ground dried mushrooms can be used as a seasoning or mixed into soups, broths, sauces, or beverages for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
