Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with an earthy flavour and a soft, spongy texture. They are neither a plant nor an animal food, but a type of fungi. While mushrooms are delicious on their own, they can be paired with a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, spices, proteins, and more. So, what fruits go well with mushrooms? Avocado is one fruit that pairs well with mushrooms, as seen in the combination of sautéed mushroom and sun-dried tomato avocado toast. Additionally, mushrooms lend themselves well to vegetarian and vegan dishes, and can be used as a meat substitute. They are low in calories and fat, while offering some protein and other nutrients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Avocado, Tomato |
| Vegetables | Asparagus, Bell Peppers, Onion, Zucchini, Peas, Scallions, Cabbage, Poblano, Potatoes, Green Beans, Carrots, Cauliflower, Leeks, Limes, Lemons, Shallots, Fennel, Brussel Sprouts, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Lettuce, Kale, Radish, Broccoli, Kohlrabi, Arugula |
| Herbs | Cilantro, Parsley, Basil, Chives, Mint, Chervil, Bay Leaf, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Tarragon, Dill, Lemongrass, Kefir Lime Leaves, Chervil, Epazote |
| Spices | Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Chili, Cinnamon, Garam Masala, Kadai Masala, Curry Powder, Ground Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric, Clove, Black Pepper, Aniseed, Chinese 5 Spice |
| Protein | Eggs, Steak, Lamb, Bacon, Chicken, Beef, Ham, Fish, Seafood, Tofu, Paneer, Goat Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mushrooms and avocado
To make this dish, start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding some olive oil or vegan/dairy butter. For a mildly garlic flavor, add some minced garlic to the oil and cook for about a minute. Then, add your mushrooms. You can use any mushrooms you like, but wild mushrooms or shiitake are recommended for their flavor and lower moisture content. Oyster, morel, lion's mane, and cremini mushrooms also work well, but they may require a longer cooking time due to their higher moisture content.
Once the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned, season them with salt and pepper, and other seasonings like garlic powder, thyme, or red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also finish the mushrooms with a bit of full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Meanwhile, prepare the avocado toast. Mash or smash a ripe avocado onto a slice of toasted bread. You can use any type of bread, but walnut levain bread is a unique option that adds a nice crunch. Add some crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, top the avocado toast with the sautéed mushroom mixture and enjoy! This dish is best served fresh and is not suitable for freezing.
This mushroom and avocado toast is a delicious and wholesome option that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Mushrooms: A Surprising Source of Protein?
You may want to see also
Mushrooms and wild rice
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with an earthy flavour and a soft, spongy texture. They are a type of fungus that is commonly used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
When it comes to pairing mushrooms with wild rice, the Mushroom Council recommends a Maitake Wild Rice Salad. This dish combines the tender, hearty mushrooms with nutty wild rice to create a nutritious and delicious salad that is perfect for potlucks.
To make this salad, you can start by cooking the wild rice according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, you can prepare the mushrooms by slicing them and sautéing them in a pan with some olive oil, butter, or any other cooking oil of your choice. You can also add some spices or herbs to the mushrooms while cooking to enhance their flavour. Some popular options include garlic, onion, parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
Once the rice and mushrooms are cooked, you can combine them in a large bowl and mix in some chopped vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or scallions. You can also add some nuts or dried fruits to the salad for extra texture and flavour. Finally, you can dress the salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of seasonings.
This mushroom and wild rice salad can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a versatile and nutritious option that can be customised to your taste preferences and can be a satisfying and healthy addition to your meal.
Mushrooms: Toxic or Not?
You may want to see also
Mushrooms and steak
Choosing the Right Mushrooms
When it comes to selecting mushrooms to pair with steak, the choice is versatile. Baby bellas or crimini mushrooms are popular, as they hold their texture and flavour well during cooking. However, you can use any variety of mushroom, including button, chanterelles, shiitake, oyster, or portabello mushrooms.
Cooking Methods
A simple way to prepare mushrooms and steak is to sauté them in butter with herbs and spices. This method adds a savoury flavour to the dish. Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Sauté for a few minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned. You can also include garlic for additional flavour.
For a more indulgent dish, create a creamy mushroom sauce. Sauté the mushrooms as described above, then add broth, cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. For an even richer sauce, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
When serving mushrooms and steak, consider the following tips:
- Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
- Top the steak with the sautéed mushrooms or creamy mushroom sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley.
- For an extra indulgent touch, add a slice of melted cheese over the steak and mushrooms.
- Accompany the dish with a chilled beer or a glass of red wine to complement the flavours.
Variations
While mushrooms and steak are delicious on their own, you can also include other ingredients to create different flavours:
- Onions: Sautéed onions, especially sweet varieties like Vidalia, add a depth of flavour to the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Adding a splash of soy sauce to the mushrooms enhances their savoury flavour.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like Italian seasoning, paprika, chilli powder, or a Cajun dry rub to season the steak.
Destroying Mushroom Roots: What You Should Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mushrooms and fruit and vegetables
Mushrooms are versatile and can be paired with many fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, proteins, and more. They are neither a plant nor an animal food, but a type of fungi with a soft, spongy texture and an earthy flavour. Mushrooms are low in calories and fat, and they are commonly used as a meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans.
Some fruits that pair well with mushrooms include avocados, apricots, and tomatoes. Mushrooms and avocados are a great combination in a sandwich, especially when served on toasted bread with sun-dried tomatoes. Mushrooms also go well with cucumbers, which can be used in a salad.
Vegetables that complement mushrooms include asparagus, garlic, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, peas, scallions, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, and many other vegetables. Mushrooms and asparagus can be sautéed in garlic for a vegan side dish. Mushrooms and onions can be fried in butter or oil and used as a base for various dishes, such as Beef Wellington or mushroom gravy.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, mushrooms also pair well with herbs and spices, such as cilantro, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chilli, basil, cinnamon, and many others. They also complement proteins such as eggs, cheese, meats, tofu, and more. Mushrooms and eggs are a classic combination, often used in omelettes, frittatas, and breakfast sandwiches. Mushrooms and cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese, can be used in dishes like pizza or stuffed mushrooms.
Mushroom Power: Wild Varieties to Lower Cholesterol
You may want to see also
Mushrooms and cheese
Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish. To make them, you'll need mushrooms with a cavity that can accommodate the stuffing, such as white button or cremini (brown) mushrooms. Here's a simple recipe:
- Start by brushing any dirt off the mushrooms and rinsing them if necessary. Remove the stems and trim any hard ends.
- Chop the mushroom stems into small pieces and cook them with butter, onions, garlic, and herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
- Once the filling cools down, stir in shredded cheese. Any type of cheese you love will work, but something melty is especially good.
- Toss the mushroom caps with olive oil to prevent drying, then stuff them with the cheesy filling.
- Top the stuffed mushrooms with lightly toasted breadcrumbs and bake in the oven until soft and melted, about 15 minutes.
Cheesy Garlic Mushrooms
Cheesy garlic mushrooms are another flavourful option that can be served as a tapas appetizer, side dish, or poured over your favourite protein. This recipe creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture:
- Slice the garlic cloves thinly and chop a handful of fresh parsley. Grate your chosen cheese—Manchego is a good option.
- Rinse and dry the mushrooms, then slice them into thick pieces.
- Add extra virgin olive oil to a hot pan and sauté the garlic. After a minute, remove the garlic from the pan and set aside.
- Add the mushroom slices to the pan and coat them in the olive oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Raise the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 2 minutes without mixing. This will help the mushrooms reabsorb their liquid and create a tender texture.
- Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Baked Mushrooms with Cheese
For a heartier dish, try baking mushrooms with cheese. This recipe combines earthy mushrooms with the sharpness of cheese for a memorable entrée or side:
- Clean and slice your desired amount of mushrooms.
- In a sauté pan or cast-iron skillet, melt butter and olive oil. Add the mushrooms and sauté until they soften.
- Place the mushrooms in a roasting pan or keep them in the skillet. Cover with cheese and bake until bubbly. You can also sprinkle on Asiago or Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve the baked mushrooms with warm bread, such as baguette rounds or crusty bread.
These recipes showcase the versatility of mushrooms and cheese, offering a range of options to suit different tastes and occasions. Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms and cheeses to find your favourite combinations.
When Do Mushrooms Kick In?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are versatile and can be paired with a variety of fruits, including avocados, tomatoes, apricots, and cucumbers.
Mushrooms and fruit can be combined in various dishes such as salads, stir-fries, and vegetarian meals. For example, mushrooms can be sautéed and served with avocado on toast or used in a soba noodle salad with cucumbers.
In addition to fruits, mushrooms complement several other foods, including eggs, wild rice, steak, lamb, and various cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and goat cheese. They also go well with spices and herbs like garlic, basil, and cinnamon.
