Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. They are neither animal nor plant food but are fungi, with a spongy, absorbent texture. They can be eaten raw or cooked, with the latter bringing out more flavour. Mushrooms can be paired with a range of ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, spices, and proteins. Some common pairings include garlic, thyme, butter, parmesan, eggs, avocado, bell peppers, onions, and lamb. Mushrooms are also used in various cuisines, such as French, Italian, and Japanese, and can be incorporated into dishes like pasta, salads, and stir-fries. With their earthy and umami flavours, mushrooms can enhance and absorb the tastes of other ingredients, making them a popular choice for cooks and chefs alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Herbs | Thyme, Parsley, Basil, Chives, Rosemary, Tarragon, Oregano, Mint, Bay Leaf, Chervil |
| Spices | Cinnamon, Garam Masala, Curry Powder, Cumin, Turmeric, Black Pepper, Clove, Chinese 5 Spice |
| Vegetables | Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes), Asparagus, Bell Peppers, Onion, Zucchini, Peas, Scallions, Avocado, Tomato, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Spinach, Lettuce, Kale, Broccoli, Arugula |
| Fruits | Apricot, Coconut, Apple, Lemon, Lime |
| Legumes | Beans, Peas, Lentils |
| Nuts | Walnuts |
| Dairy | Butter, Cream, Cheese (Parmesan, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese, Blue Cheese, Mascarpone, Ricotta, Burrata), Yogurt, Sour Cream |
| Meat & Seafood | Lamb, Bacon, Chicken, Beef, Ham, Fish, Crab, Prawns, Salmon, Prosciutto, Steak, Pork, Cod, Oyster, Veal |
| Alcohol | Red Wine, White Wine, Rosé Wine, Vodka, Whisky, Sherry, Gin, Champagne, Sake, Wine, Beer, Bourbon |
| Other | Rice (especially wild rice), Bread, Pasta, Polenta, Eggs, Olive Oil, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Mustard, Capers, Truffle Oil, Coffee, Sugar |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms and garlic
When cooking with mushrooms and garlic, it is important to consider the type of mushroom and the desired level of garlic flavour. For a more subtle garlic flavour, minced garlic or roasted garlic cloves can be added to the dish. If a stronger garlic flavour is preferred, a garlic butter sauce can be made by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. This sauce can be used to sauté or fry the mushrooms, resulting in a rich and savoury dish.
To elevate the dish further, fresh thyme and parsley can be added for an aromatic depth of flavour. Additionally, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be added to the garlic butter for a subtle spicy kick. When selecting mushrooms, fresh button or cremini mushrooms are ideal for their firm and smooth texture. However, a mix of different mushroom varieties such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello can add interesting textures and flavours to the dish.
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Mushrooms and thyme
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They have a spongy, absorbent texture and can be categorized as either wild or cultivated. There are over 10,000 known varieties of mushrooms, but some common types include button mushrooms, beech mushrooms, black trumpet mushrooms, and king trumpet mushrooms.
When it comes to flavor pairings, mushrooms and thyme make an excellent combination. Thyme is an aromatic herb with a subtle, slightly woody flavor that complements the earthy taste of mushrooms. Here are some tips and recipes to enhance your culinary creations with this delicious duo:
Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms with Thyme:
This dish is a quick and flavorful side that goes well with steak, chicken, or fish. Here's a simple recipe:
- Heat butter in a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
- Season with salt.
- Add garlic and the remaining butter.
- Reduce the heat and add thyme and a splash of soy sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
- For a vegan option, use dairy-free butter.
Seared Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme:
For a slightly different take on the above recipe, try searing the mushrooms first. This technique adds a golden brown crust and a nutty aroma to the dish. Here's how to make it:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke.
- Place the mushrooms in a single layer and cook without disturbing until the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then continue cooking and tossing occasionally to brown all sides, about 5 minutes more.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter, thyme sprigs, and garlic to the skillet.
- Tilt the skillet so the butter pools at the bottom. Spoon the foaming butter over the mushrooms until it smells nutty, about 4 minutes.
Other Tips:
- Thyme pairs well with various mushroom varieties, including button mushrooms, king trumpet mushrooms, and beech mushrooms.
- For a Mediterranean twist, sauté the mushrooms with olive oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with additional olive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving.
- Try adding mushrooms and thyme to risottos, vegetable tarts, sauces, or scrambled eggs for a flavorful boost.
- Mushrooms and thyme also complement ingredients like butter, cream, cheese, meats, and seafood. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
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Mushrooms and butter
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient, adding a burst of umami while absorbing any flavours you wish to feature in your dishes. They are a savoury ingredient, popular in French, Italian, and Japanese cuisines.
When it comes to mushrooms and butter, the most common combination is garlic butter mushrooms. This is a beloved staple in restaurants and homes. The mushrooms are tossed in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and then sautéed in butter. The butter adds a rich, silky, glistening coating to the mushrooms, enhancing their flavour and texture.
To make garlic butter mushrooms, heat butter and oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and starts to foam, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until golden and crispy, stirring frequently. Finish with a garnish of fresh parsley and serve.
You can also make your own garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes. If you want a more intense garlic flavour, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the dish.
Other ingredients that pair well with mushrooms and butter include thyme, which adds an aromatic depth to the dish, and Parmesan cheese, which can be sprinkled on top.
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Mushrooms and parmesan
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They have a spongy, absorbent texture and can be categorized as either wild or cultivated. They pair well with a wide range of sauces, spices, and herbs.
One classic combination is mushrooms and parmesan. This pairing can be used in a variety of ways to create delicious dishes. One simple way to enjoy this combination is to fry or bake mushrooms with butter, garlic, thyme, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This creates a flavorful side dish that can be served with a variety of meals.
Another option is to create a creamy garlic parmesan mushroom sauce. This can be done by sautéing mushrooms in garlic butter and then tossing them in a creamy parmesan sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These creamy garlic parmesan mushrooms can be served as a side dish or added to main dishes to elevate your meal. They go particularly well with proteins such as chicken, pork, or steak, and can also be added to pasta for a creamy and flavorful dish.
For a more substantial meal, you can create a sheet-pan mushroom parmigiana. This dish uses portobello mushrooms as a cradle for a red sauce and creamy mozzarella. The mushrooms are filled with marinara sauce and topped with cheese, then baked in the oven until melted and bubbly. This recipe is flexible and can be scaled up or down easily. It's a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that's quick and easy to prepare.
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Mushrooms and eggs
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of flavours. They are a great source of vitamin B, fibre, protein, and antioxidants. Here are some tips and recipes for creating delicious mushroom and egg dishes:
Flavour Pairings
Mushrooms pair well with a variety of ingredients, including:
- Garlic: Sautéed mushrooms and garlic make a delicious side or toast topper.
- Thyme: Adding thyme to mushroom dishes enhances their flavour. Try it in a risotto, vegetable tart, or sauce.
- Butter: Frying mushrooms in butter gives them a crispy, golden finish.
- Parmesan: Sprinkling parmesan cheese on top of mushroom dishes adds a tasty touch.
Mushroom and Egg Recipes
Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms:
This recipe by Martha Rose Shulman is a favourite for many. You can use regular white or brown button mushrooms, or wild mushrooms for a more luxurious option. Here are the steps:
- Beat the eggs in a medium bowl and add salt and pepper to taste. Beat in some milk.
- Pour the egg mixture into a skillet and cook, stirring every few seconds, until the eggs are scrambled.
- Serve immediately.
You can also add some thyme or rosemary to this dish, and serve it on a bed of arugula with crumbled feta and halved sungold tomatoes.
Mushroom-Spinach Scrambled Eggs:
This recipe is a quick, high-protein, and low-carb breakfast option. It includes:
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Egg
- Egg white
- Water
- Salt and pepper
- Onion
- Oil
- Cheese (optional)
- Whisk the eggs, egg white, water, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until blended.
- Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until tender and golden.
- Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until tender.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the egg mixture and cook, stirring, until the eggs are thickened and no liquid remains.
- If desired, add cheese with the eggs.
Mushroom Toast with Fried Egg:
This recipe is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. It includes:
- Mushrooms
- Eggs
- Butter
- Oil
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken stock
- Parsley
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shallot, garlic, mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms release their juices.
- Increase the heat and continue cooking until the mushroom liquid evaporates.
- Add chicken stock and parsley, and cook for an additional minute. Add more chicken stock if needed to create a saucy consistency.
- In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
- Serve the mushrooms on toast, topped with the fried egg and garnished with parsley.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are very versatile and can be paired with a wide range of ingredients. Here are some examples:
- Vegetables: root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes), bell peppers, onions, zucchini, peas, cabbage, potatoes, green beans, cauliflower, leeks, spinach, kale, broccoli, etc.
- Fruits: avocado, tomato, apricot, apples, lemons, limes.
- Nuts: walnuts.
- Herbs: thyme, rosemary, basil, parsley, mint, etc.
- Spices: cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, chilli, etc.
- Protein: eggs, lamb, chicken, beef, ham, seafood, tofu, etc.
Here are some flavour combinations that pair well with mushrooms:
- Mushrooms + Garlic
- Mushrooms + Thyme
- Mushrooms + Butter
- Mushrooms + Parmesan
- Mushrooms + Goat's Cheese
- Mushrooms + Wild Rice
- Mushrooms + Avocado
- Mushrooms + Peppers
- Mushrooms + Lamb
- Mushrooms + Olive Oil
Mushrooms are very versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes. Here are some examples:
- Pasta
- Salads
- Stir Fry
- Frittata
- Pizza
- Risotto
- Soup
- Toast
