Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and appetizers to stir-fries, soups, stews, and sauces. They have a delicate earthy flavor and can be paired with a wide range of spices, herbs, and other ingredients. Some classic pairings include garlic, thyme, butter, and parmesan. Mushrooms are also commonly used in Asian cuisine, where they are paired with spices like cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and cloves. They are known for their ability to create savory rich flavors called umami, thanks to the presence of glutamate, which is also found in meats, cheeses, and soups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spices | Black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, five-spice powder, red pepper flakes, tarragon, ginger, thyme, rosemary, parsley |
| Herbs | Thyme, rosemary |
| Other ingredients | Butter, garlic, chives, goat's cheese, parmesan, curds, olive oil, salt |
| Nutritional content | Protein, vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin D, folate, B vitamins), minerals, antioxidants, fiber |
| Health benefits | May contribute to heart health, may help prevent cancer, may help manage type 2 diabetes |
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What You'll Learn
Garlic
Roasted garlic mushrooms are another delicious option. To make roasted garlic mushrooms, toss the mushrooms in butter, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking tray. Bake in the oven at 220°C/450°F for 25 minutes without turning or tossing to get a better colour.
The type of mushrooms used for garlic mushrooms can vary. Button mushrooms are a common choice, but other varieties such as cremini, shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms can also be used. Fresh mushrooms with a firm, smooth texture and no blemishes are ideal.
To enhance the flavour of garlic mushrooms, herbs and spices can be added. Thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes add aroma and depth of flavour to the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavours and add a touch of freshness.
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Thyme
For a more indulgent dish, make a creamy mushroom sauce with thyme. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet, then add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour, then add half-and-half, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and whisk until thickened. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for a thicker sauce. This sauce goes well with chicken, steak, or meatballs.
If you're looking for a smoky flavour, try smoking mushrooms with garlic and thyme. You can use fresh or dried thyme, depending on your preference. This dish makes a great side or topping for smoked meats.
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Butter
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
A popular way to cook mushrooms is in garlic butter. This can be made by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. The mushrooms are then cooked in this mixture, often with the addition of herbs such as thyme and parsley. This can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for meats, such as steak or chicken.
Roasted Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Another option is to roast mushrooms in garlic butter. This method involves tossing the mushrooms in butter, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and then baking them in the oven. This results in golden brown mushrooms with a juicy inside. The addition of lemon and thyme is also recommended to add freshness and extra flavour.
Wild Mushroom Butter
Wild mushroom butter is made by mincing wild mushrooms, such as porcini and chanterelles, and combining them with shallots and thyme, before whipping them into fresh butter. This can be served melted over vegetables or braised leeks, or used as a topping for steak or bread.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are often cooked in a mixture of butter and olive oil, with the addition of garlic and seasonings such as salt and pepper. This method results in tender, browned mushrooms that can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for meats or sandwiches.
- Mushroom sauce for pasta or steak
- Mushroom rice
- Mushrooms on toast or in pies
- Mushroom soup
- Portobello mushroom burgers
- Mushroom sandwiches
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Parmesan
One recipe for creamy garlic parmesan mushrooms involves sautéing the mushrooms in butter and olive oil, then adding in garlic and cooking until fragrant. Heavy cream, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are then stirred in and heated until the sauce becomes bubbly and smooth. This can be served as a side or added to proteins such as chicken, pork, or steak to make a main dish.
Another recipe for baked parmesan mushrooms involves combining melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. The mushrooms are then added and cooked until tender, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Grated parmesan is then added to form a crispy, savoury crust. This dish can be served as a side, appetiser, or vegetarian main course.
Mushroom parmigiana is another dish that combines mushrooms and parmesan. This recipe involves roasting portobello mushroom caps filled with marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella and parmesan. The mushrooms are served with roasted cherry tomatoes and topped with basil breadcrumbs.
When cooking with parmesan, it is recommended to use freshly grated cheese as it melts better and thickens the sauce more effectively than pre-packaged parmesan. Additionally, when making a creamy mushroom sauce, heavy cream can be used for a rich and creamy texture, while milk can be used as a lighter alternative.
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Spices (e.g. five-spice powder, nutmeg, rosemary, tarragon)
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and pair well with many spices. Their delicate earthy flavour adapts to almost any spice, seasoning, or herb you combine them with.
Five-Spice Powder
Five-spice powder is a convenient way to add a touch of several spices to mushrooms without needing to measure each one individually. It is composed of cinnamon, star anise, anise seed, ginger, and cloves. Mushrooms cooked with five-spice powder can be used in stir-fries, rice dishes, and to accompany pork, chicken, and beef.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a spice that can be added to a velouté sauce made from mushrooms, green onions, milk, and chicken broth. This sauce can be served over chicken or fish.
Tarragon
Tarragon is a herb used in Transylvanian cuisine and is an essential ingredient in soups and broths. It is rich in micronutrients, containing potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and magnesium. Tarragon can be used to season a mushroom goulash loaded with vegetables.
Rosemary
Rosemary has analgesic and numbing effects and improves blood circulation. It has a sharp, piney aroma that blends well with other seasonings. It can be used to season sautéed mushrooms, or in a tomato-based sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and thyme.
Other Spices and Seasonings
Mushrooms can be cooked with a wide variety of spices and herbs, including parsley, thyme, sage, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic. They can be cooked in butter to make them tender and juicy, and served as a side dish, on top of meat, or on their own.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are versatile and can be paired with a variety of herbs, including thyme, rosemary, parsley, tarragon, and chives.
Mushrooms can be paired with a wide range of spices. Some spices that go well with mushrooms include five-spice powder, red pepper flakes, ginger, and black pepper.
Mushrooms can be added to many dishes, including stir-fries, soups, stews, and sauces. They also go well with butter, garlic, and parmesan.
