Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to light and fragrant soups. Making a mushroom stew is a simple process that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or meat-lover, there's a mushroom stew recipe for you. This guide will teach you how to stew mushrooms to perfection, with tips on preparing the mushrooms, choosing the right ingredients, and adding your own unique twist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Comfort food, hearty, filling |
| Main ingredients | Mushrooms, beef, vegetables, herbs, wine |
| Broth | Vegetable, mushroom, beef |
| Vegetables | Carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, peas |
| Herbs | Thyme, bay leaf, sage, parsley, rosemary |
| Spices | Pepper, red pepper flakes, salt |
| Other ingredients | Tomato paste, flour, polenta, bouillon |
| Cooking techniques | Simmering, stir-frying, sautéing, browning, braising |
| Cook time | 20 minutes to several hours |
| Serving suggestions | Bread, pasta, polenta, rice, mashed potatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing mushrooms: dried porcini, shiitake, cremini, oyster, chanterelle
When stewing mushrooms, there are many varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and flavours. Here is an overview of some popular options:
Dried Porcini Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms, also known as king boletus or sep mushrooms, are one of the most sought-after varieties due to their rich flavour. They are often handpicked and sun-dried, which enhances their taste. Porcini mushrooms are versatile and can be used in various dishes, including chicken, pork, and pasta recipes. To use dried porcini mushrooms, they need to be reconstituted by soaking them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. Additionally, these mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, protein, copper, potassium, and other essential minerals.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a popular choice, especially in Asian cuisine. They offer a range of flavours and textures, depending on whether they are fresh or dried. Fresh shiitake mushrooms have a silky, creamy, and delicate flavour, while dried shiitake mushrooms have a more concentrated earthy and umami taste. When purchasing dried shiitake mushrooms, look for thick curved caps with white or dark cracks, often described as "flower" shiitake.
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms are a versatile and commonly used variety. They are matured versions of white button mushrooms but less mature than portobello mushrooms. Cremini mushrooms have an "earthy" flavour and a firmer texture than white mushrooms, making them ideal for stews and soups. They can be substituted for white button or portobello mushrooms in most recipes.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are easily cultivated and commercially grown, and they are also commonly found in the wild. They are fan or "oyster"-shaped and usually grow in groups on logs or dying trees. Oyster mushrooms are edible and possess medicinal properties. They are identified by their decurrent gills, which run directly down the stem.
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms, especially the golden variety, are famous wild edible mushrooms known for their delicious flavour. They grow with coniferous trees and are identified by their deep orange or brick-coloured caps. Chanterelle mushrooms have some poisonous look-alikes, so it is important to be aware of the differences. False chanterelles, for example, have gills that do not fork and lack the fruity aroma of true chanterelles.
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Preparing mushrooms: clean, trim, slice, fry in oil/butter
Preparing mushrooms for stewing is a simple process, but it requires a few steps to ensure the best flavour and texture.
First, clean the mushrooms. Use a brush to gently remove any visible dirt. If the mushrooms are very dirty, rinse them in water, but try to keep them as dry as possible, as mushrooms absorb water.
Next, trim any tough stems from the mushrooms. You can save these stems for making vegetable stock or broth. Once cleaned and trimmed, slice the mushrooms into pieces about ⅛-inch thick.
To cook the mushrooms, heat some oil or butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. You can use a neutral-flavoured oil, such as vegetable oil, or olive oil for more flavour. Add the mushrooms to the pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the mushrooms to steam instead of fry. Fry the mushrooms until they are golden brown and slightly coloured. This should take around 3-5 minutes.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, you can add other ingredients and continue with your stew recipe.
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Broth: vegetable, mushroom, beef, wine, brandy, sherry, spices
Making a mushroom stew is a great way to create a hearty and comforting meal. The broth is a key component, and there are many ways to make it flavourful. Here are some tips and instructions for creating a delicious broth for your mushroom stew:
Vegetable Broth
A vegetable broth is an excellent option for a vegetarian or vegan mushroom stew. Start by boiling vegetable stock and whisking in polenta. Cook the polenta, constantly whisking, until it thickens and absorbs the stock. You can also add fresh herbs, such as parsley, to the polenta for extra flavour. This type of broth provides a vegetarian-friendly base for your mushroom stew.
Mushroom Broth
Mushroom broth adds an intense, earthy flavour to your stew. You can use dried mushrooms, such as porcini, to make a concentrated broth. Alternatively, use mushroom soy sauce to enhance the mushroom flavour. For extra depth, combine it with vegetable broth or beef broth.
Beef Broth
For a classic, savoury stew, a beef broth is an excellent choice. To make a rich and flavourful beef broth, start by browning bite-sized pieces of beef seasoned with salt and pepper in a Dutch oven or thick-bottomed pot. Remove the beef and set it aside. Then, add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions to the pot, along with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Sauté until the vegetables soften. Return the beef to the pot and sprinkle with flour. Finally, add water or beef stock and simmer for a few hours to create a hearty beef broth.
Wine, Brandy, and Sherry
Adding wine, brandy, or sherry to your mushroom stew can elevate its flavour. You can use white wine or red wine, depending on your preference. Simmer the wine until it evaporates, then add the broth. You can also add a small amount of brandy or sherry to complement the mushrooms and enhance the overall flavour of the dish.
Spices
Spices are essential to adding depth and character to your mushroom stew. Common spices used in mushroom stew include peppercorns, thyme, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and cloves. You can also add Creole seasoning and Adobo all-purpose seasoning for an extra kick of flavour. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spices to find your perfect blend.
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Meat: beef, pancetta
Ingredients
To make a beef and mushroom stew, you will need:
- Beef
- Mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Celery
- Onion
- Pancetta
- Wine
- Tomato paste
- Broth
- Spices
- Carrots
- Salt
Instructions
First, prepare your broth. Add a carrot and an onion peeled and cut in half, a celery stalk cut in two, a bay leaf, 2-3 peppercorns, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 12 cups of water to a large pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about three hours.
Next, cook the garlic, celery, and onion in olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned. Then, add the pancetta and wine, and raise the heat to high. Cook until the fumes evaporate, approximately 2 minutes.
Now, add the tomato paste, broth, and spices. Stir gently to combine, then cook on low heat for approximately 20 minutes.
Finally, add the sliced carrots and mushrooms and cook for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Tips
- You can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to make the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, add more broth.
- If using store-bought broth, be careful with the salt as different brands will be saltier than others.
- If you want to add more vegetables, potatoes and celery are good options.
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Serving suggestions: polenta, pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, crusty bread
Stewed mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Polenta
For a hearty and satisfying meal, serve your stewed mushrooms over a bowl of creamy polenta. You can make the polenta by bringing water and milk to a high simmer in a saucepan, slowly whisking in cornmeal, and then cooking it over low heat while stirring occasionally. For extra flavour, you can add butter and Parmesan cheese to the polenta. The stewed mushrooms can be ladled on top, creating a warm and comforting dish.
Pasta
Mushroom stew also pairs well with pasta. You can serve it as a sauce over your favourite type of cooked pasta. Alternatively, you can create a mushroom ragu to toss with your pasta. This ragu typically includes ingredients like mushrooms, onions, carrots, garlic, and herbs, creating a savoury and satisfying meatless sauce.
Rice
Stewed mushrooms can also be served with rice for a hearty and flavourful meal. You can choose to serve it with plain rice or a more elaborate dish like a brown rice pilaf. The mushroom stew can be ladled over the rice, providing a tasty and satisfying combination.
Mashed Potatoes
For a comforting and indulgent option, serve your stewed mushrooms over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. You can make the mashed potatoes with regular potatoes or sweet potatoes, and even add garlic for extra flavour. The stewed mushrooms add a savoury twist to this classic side dish, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Crusty Bread
Lastly, stewed mushrooms can be enjoyed with a simple side of crusty bread. The bread provides a vehicle to soak up all the delicious flavours of the stew. You can choose a variety of crusty breads, such as a rustic loaf or focaccia, to dip into the stew and savour every bite.
These serving suggestions offer a range of options to enjoy stewed mushrooms, from hearty bowls to comforting sides, all showcasing the versatility and depth of flavour that mushrooms bring to a dish.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need mushrooms, oil or butter, broth, and seasoning. You can also add vegetables, such as onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. For a heartier stew, you can include meat, such as beef, and potatoes.
First, clean the mushrooms by brushing off any dirt. If they are very dirty, you can rinse them with water, but try to keep them as dry as possible. Then, slice the mushrooms about 1/8-inch thick. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms in a single layer to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until they are golden brown.
In a separate pan, cook any vegetables and meat, if using. Then, add the broth and any seasonings, such as thyme, bay leaf, or red pepper flakes. Stir in the browned mushrooms and simmer until the stew thickens. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning, if needed. Serve with crusty bread or polenta.
