Sarah Brown
Mushroom pie is a savoury dish that can be made with a variety of mushrooms, including cremini, oyster, shiitake, white button, and wild mushrooms. The mushrooms are typically sautéed in butter and combined with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, wine, and cream to create a rich and creamy filling. This filling is then baked inside a pie crust or puff pastry shell, resulting in a golden brown and flaky pastry dish. Mushroom pie can be made vegetarian or vegan, and it can be served as a main course or enjoyed at any time of the day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Savory Pie, Pot Pie, Quiche |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, Butter, Garlic, Vermouth/Wine, Olive Oil, Onion, Bay Leaves, Cacao, Soy Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Egg, Pastry, Cream, Cheese, Sour Cream, Milk, Thyme, Marsala Wine, Shallot, Dill, Swiss Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, Parsley, Vegetable Broth, Creamy Plant-Based Broth, Cashew Milk, Non-Dairy Milk |
| Mushrooms Used | Cremini, Oyster, White Button, Wild, Shiitake, Gourmet, Baby Bellas, Porcini |
| Dietary Options | Vegan, Vegetarian |
| Cooking Techniques | Sautéing, Baking, Frying, Thawing |
| Cooking/Baking Time | 20 minutes-40 minutes |
| Baking Temperature | 350°F-400°F |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushrooms used
Mushroom pie is a versatile dish, and a variety of mushrooms can be used in its preparation. The type of mushroom used can vary depending on the recipe, availability, and personal preference. Here are some of the commonly used mushrooms in mushroom pies:
Wild Mushrooms
Wild mushrooms are a popular choice for mushroom pie, offering a range of flavours and textures. They can include various species such as trompettes, porcini, and chanterelle mushrooms. Wild mushrooms are known for their earthy and nutty flavours, adding a distinct taste to the pie. They are often cleaned with a brush or cloth, and smaller ones can be left whole, while larger ones are cut into halves or chunks.
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, are a common variety used in mushroom pies. They have a rich, savoury flavour and a firm texture, making them ideal for holding up during the cooking process. Cremini mushrooms are often used in combination with other varieties, such as shiitake or button mushrooms, to enhance the overall mushroom flavour.
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are widely used in mushroom pies. They have a mild flavour and a delicate texture, making them versatile and easy to cook with. Button mushrooms are often sautéed or cooked with other ingredients to enhance their flavour. They can be substituted with baby bella mushrooms for a similar result.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are known for their unique flavour and meaty texture. They have a delicate, slightly sweet taste and a tender texture that blends well with other ingredients in a pie. Oyster mushrooms are often used in combination with other varieties, such as cremini, to create a complex and satisfying mushroom dish.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their distinct umami flavour and meaty texture. They add a savoury depth to the pie and can be used in combination with other mushrooms or as a standalone variety. Shiitake mushrooms are often used to enhance the overall flavour profile of the dish.
The choice of mushroom can significantly impact the taste and texture of the pie, and many recipes encourage the use of a combination of mushrooms to create a more complex and flavourful dish.
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Pastry and crust options
Mushroom pie is a versatile dish that can be made with various types of pastry and crust options. Here are some ideas and instructions for creating delicious mushroom pies:
- Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is a popular choice for mushroom pies, as it bakes well directly on top of the pot pie filling. It results in a flaky, buttery texture that complements the creamy mushroom filling. Store-bought puff pastry is often vegan-friendly, as it is typically made with oil instead of dairy butter. If you're making a vegan pie, consider brushing the pastry with cashew milk or other non-dairy milk for a crispy, golden finish.
- Phyllo Pastry: Some mushroom pie recipes use phyllo pastry. However, some home cooks have found that regular pastry works better with certain gourmet mushroom and cheese combinations.
- Pie Crust: You can also opt for a traditional pie crust instead of using pastry. This can be made from scratch or purchased frozen. If using a frozen pie crust, preheat the oven to 375°F and thaw the crust for about 15 minutes at room temperature. Poke holes in the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork, then partially bake it before filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Vegan Crust: For a vegan pie, you can skip the pie crust altogether and use a layer of puff pastry as the base. This ensures a delicious, flaky crust without the hassle of making a special vegan pie crust.
- Dough Crust: Some mushroom pie recipes use a dough crust, which can be a little soft and tricky to handle, but it bakes out nicely. This option allows you to create a tasty savoury pie.
Remember that the type of pastry or crust you choose can impact the overall texture and flavour of your mushroom pie, so consider the specific ingredients and flavours you're working with to make the best choice for your dish.
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Filling ingredients
The filling ingredients for a mushroom pie can vary depending on the recipe and your personal preference. Here are some common and unique ingredients used in mushroom pie fillings:
Mushrooms:
The type of mushrooms used can vary. Common varieties include cremini, white button, shiitake, oyster, wild, and dried porcini mushrooms. Using a combination of mushrooms can add texture and enhance the flavour of the pie.
Vegetables:
Onions, shallots, and garlic are often used to add flavour to the mushroom pie. These vegetables are typically sautéed or cooked until softened before being added to the filling.
Liquids:
Some recipes call for liquids such as stock, wine (especially Marsala wine), vermouth, or cream to be added to the filling. These liquids can add moisture and depth of flavour to the pie.
Dairy:
Cheese, sour cream, milk, and heavy cream are common dairy ingredients used in mushroom pie. Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice, but other recipes may use Swiss cheese or suggest using a combination of cheeses.
Herbs and Spices:
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme can be added to the filling for extra flavour and aroma. Some recipes also include bay leaves, while others suggest adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Nuts:
Although less common, nuts can be used in mushroom pie. For example, one recipe suggests using cacao or chocolate produced by Willie Harcourt-Cooze, an artisan chocolate producer.
It's important to note that the proportions and combinations of these ingredients may vary, and you can adjust them to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, some recipes are vegan or vegetarian, so the filling ingredients and their substitutes may differ accordingly.
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Cooking and preparation methods
The cooking and preparation methods for mushroom pie depend on the type of pie you want to make. You can make a vegan or vegetarian mushroom pie, a pot pie, or a quiche-like mushroom pie.
If you're making a vegan mushroom pie, you can use a combination of cremini and oyster mushrooms, a creamy plant-based broth, and a layer of puff pastry. You'll need to preheat your oven to 400°F and set aside a baking sheet and a 10" oven-safe cast-iron pan or similar baking dish. To prepare the filling, melt some butter in a pan over medium heat, add the mushrooms, and stir until they're coated in butter. Increase the heat and keep stirring until the moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated. Then, lower the heat, add some minced garlic, and stir for another 30 seconds. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, sour cream, milk, and cream. You can freeze the filling and bake the pie later, but it's best to prepare the puff pastry separately, as it may get soggy if frozen and baked together with the filling.
If you're using a store-bought frozen pie crust, preheat your oven to 375°F. Thaw the crust for 15 minutes at room temperature, then poke the bottom and sides with a fork. Place an empty pie pan of the same size inside the crust or line it with aluminium foil and fill with pie weights (dry beans or rice). Bake the pie shell on a baking sheet in the centre of the oven for 12 minutes or until it starts to brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Then, spread the sautéed mushrooms along the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust and pour the cheese and cream mixture over them. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, until lightly browned.
For a vegetarian mushroom pie, you can use wild mushrooms, vermouth, and cacao for added flavour. Start by preparing the stew: stir dried porcini mushrooms into hot stock and set aside. Clean the wild mushrooms and cut the larger ones into halves or chunks. Divide the mushrooms into three batches. Melt some butter in a frying pan and cook one batch of mushrooms over medium heat until they start to soften. Add some garlic, salt, pepper, and a splash of vermouth or wine, and cook for another minute. Repeat this process for the remaining batches of mushrooms. Heat some olive oil in a large pan, add onion cubes, and fry until they're a nutty brown. Pour the prepared stock, cooked mushrooms, bay leaves, and cacao into the pan. Bring to a boil and cook gently over low heat for 5-7 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and soy sauce, then let the mixture cool completely. Roll out the pastry to a thickness of about 3mm and cut a strip just wider than the rim of your pie dish. Wet the rim, press the pastry strip onto it, and brush with water. Lay the rolled-out pastry on top, press down to seal, and trim off any excess. Cut a few slits in the pastry, brush with beaten egg, and bake for about 40 minutes at 350°F, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
Alternatively, you can make a quiche-like mushroom pie with Monterey Jack cheese, parsley, eggs, sour cream, garlic, and a pound of mushrooms. You can also add shiitake mushrooms to dial up the mushroom flavour. For this type of pie, you'll need a basic pie dough recipe and a 9" or 10" pie dish or an 8"x8" baking dish, frozen for at least 30 minutes.
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Vegan alternatives
Mushroom pie is a savoury dish that often consists of a buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with a creamy mushroom mixture. While traditional mushroom pies may contain dairy and other animal-derived ingredients, there are several vegan alternatives and substitutions that can be made to create a delicious plant-based version.
For the pastry, a vegan pie crust can be achieved by using vegan butter or margarine in place of regular butter. There are many vegan butter options available that act very similarly to dairy butter in terms of flavour and flakiness. You can also use solid fats like coconut oil or shortening, or even opt for a more wholesome option like olive oil or avocado oil-based pastry. The key is to look for a product with a similar consistency to butter to ensure the pastry is tender and flaky.
When it comes to the filling, the creaminess usually associated with mushroom pie can be replicated using plant-based alternatives. Full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream are excellent choices, providing richness and a similar mouthfeel to dairy cream. If you want to avoid a coconut flavour, opt for a neutral-tasting cream alternative made from soy, oat, or cashews. You can also add nutritional yeast to boost the savouriness and create a cheesy flavour profile without using any dairy.
Choose a variety of mushrooms to add depth of flavour and an earthy aroma to your pie. Sauté the mushrooms with vegan butter or oil, and add flavour with garlic, thyme, and other herbs of your choice. You can also include vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to enhance the savouriness and add texture. For a cheesy topping, sprinkle vegan cheese shreds or a nut-based parmesan alternative over the pie before baking.
By substituting vegan alternatives for dairy and animal-derived products, you can create a delicious and satisfying mushroom pie that aligns with a plant-based diet. Experiment with different combinations of mushrooms, herbs, and vegan dairy alternatives to find your favourite flavour profile. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side dish, a vegan mushroom pie is a hearty and comforting meal that everyone can enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom pie is a savoury dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is made with mushrooms, cheese, cream, and pastry.
Mushroom pies are made with a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, oyster, shiitake, button, and wild mushrooms. The pie also includes a creamy mixture of cheese, cream, eggs, and garlic. Some recipes include additional ingredients such as wine, butter, and onions.
To make a mushroom pie, you first need to prepare the mushroom filling by sautéing the mushrooms in butter and garlic. Then, you can either place the filling in a pre-made pie crust or create your own pastry by rolling out a sheet of puff pastry. The pie is then baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown.
The preparation time for a mushroom pie can vary depending on the recipe and the cooking method. The baking time in the oven typically ranges from 25 to 40 minutes. However, it is important to keep an eye on the pie to ensure that it does not overbake.
