Emily Johnson
Mushroom cream is a sauce or soup that uses mushrooms as its primary ingredient. It can be prepared in different styles using various ingredients, and is used to top a variety of foods. In cooking, mushroom cream is often served with veal, chicken, and poultry, as well as pasta and vegetables. It can also be used as a base for casseroles and comfort foods. The simplest way to make mushroom cream is to sauté mushrooms in olive oil or butter with salt and pepper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Sauce, soup, or gravy |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, butter, cream, olive oil, white wine, pepper, shallot, garlic, lemon juice, flour, chicken stock, saffron, basil, parsley, herbs, coconut milk, chives, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce |
| Preparation | Mushrooms are sauteed in butter or olive oil, then simmered with other ingredients |
| Uses | Can be served with veal, chicken, poultry, pasta, vegetables, or fish |
| Variants | White or brown mushroom sauce, cream of mushroom soup, creamy garlic mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Cream of mushroom soup
The soup is typically made by creating a basic roux, thinning it with cream or milk, and then adding mushrooms or mushroom broth. Some recipes call for the use of button mushrooms, while others suggest experimenting with varieties like shiitake or cremini for a more intense mushroom flavour. The addition of cream gives the soup a rich and creamy texture, but it can also be skipped to create a more concentrated mushroom flavour.
To elevate the dish, some recipes suggest adding a handful of fresh shiitake mushrooms for a deeper flavour. Others recommend adding a dash of sherry or nutmeg, or garnishing with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil or cream. For a dairy-free option, one can substitute butter with olive oil and skip the cream altogether.
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Mushroom cream sauce
Ingredients:
- Mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- Butter or Olive Oil
- Cream or Coconut Milk
- White Wine or Red Wine (optional)
- Garlic
- Onion (optional)
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Herbs (such as parsley, dill, or thyme)
Instructions:
- Clean the mushrooms thoroughly to remove any sand or dirt. You can wash or scrub them, but make sure to pat them dry before cooking.
- Chop or slice the mushrooms into desired sizes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter or olive oil. You can use a combination of both for a richer flavor.
- Sauté the mushrooms in the butter or oil until they are tender and lightly browned. This may take around 5-6 minutes.
- If using onion, chop it finely and add it to the pan. Sauté until the onion is translucent and starting to brown.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the cream or coconut milk and stir well. You can also use milk for a lighter sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add optional ingredients like white wine or red wine, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Bring the sauce to a slow boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, dill, or thyme.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the mushroom cream sauce immediately with your choice of protein or vegetables. It goes well with chicken, fish, pasta, or rice.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients and spices to create your unique version of mushroom cream sauce. Enjoy your delicious and creamy mushroom-filled meal!
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Creamy garlic mushrooms
Ingredients
For this recipe, you can use any variety of whole mushrooms, such as baby bella (cremini) or white button mushrooms. Fresh garlic is ideal, but if that is not available, garlic powder can be used instead. For the cream sauce, you will need butter, olive oil, heavy cream, cream cheese, fresh grated parmesan, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
Preparation
The preparation for creamy garlic mushrooms is straightforward. First, melt the butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are browned on all sides, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Next, add the garlic, cream, cream cheese, parmesan, onion powder, and oregano, and continue cooking. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, coating the mushrooms. This should take another 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan Options
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply substitute the cream with coconut milk or coconut cream. Low-fat coconut milk is a good option if you prefer a lighter dish. Additionally, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and there is no risk of cross-contamination.
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Health benefits of mushrooms
Mushrooms are a fungus and a good source of nutrition. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories, sodium, and fat, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They are also a good substitute for meat. Here are some of the health benefits of mushrooms:
Cancer Prevention
Mushrooms have been shown to lower the risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Eating just 18 grams of mushrooms, or about two medium mushrooms, per day can help prevent cancer. This is because mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. In Japan, patients may receive a reishi mushroom-based drug as part of cancer treatment.
Brain Health
Mushrooms are associated with improved brain health and a reduced risk of developing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). In a study in Singapore, participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms a week had a 50% lower risk of developing MCI. Lion's Mane mushrooms, in particular, have been shown to protect against neurological damage and promote the growth of nerve tissue, which is important for patients with Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Heart Health
Mushrooms are rich in potassium and low in sodium and fat, which are important factors in maintaining heart health. They also contain compounds that help prevent plaque buildup in blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Gut Health
Mushrooms are a natural source of fiber, which promotes gut health by feeding the "good" bacteria in the intestines. They also contain polysaccharides, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria and suppress harmful bacteria.
Bone Health
Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones and teeth.
Weight Loss
Mushrooms are low in calories and can be used as a substitute for meat, making them a good option for those looking to lose weight.
It is important to note that while mushrooms offer a range of health benefits, not all mushrooms are edible. Some varieties contain deadly poisons, so it is important to only consume mushrooms purchased from a supermarket or a trusted source.
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How to clean mushrooms
Mushroom cream is a white or brown sauce that uses mushrooms as its primary ingredient. It is often cream-based and can be served with chicken, pasta, vegetables, and more.
Now, onto the detailed steps on how to clean mushrooms.
Firstly, it is important to distinguish between cultivated and wild mushrooms, as they require different cleaning approaches. Cultivated mushrooms, which are grown in sterile environments, are commonly found in grocery stores. Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, can be foraged or purchased from a reputable forager at a farmer's market.
For cultivated mushrooms, a simple brush-off with a dry towel or a mushroom brush is usually sufficient, as they are grown in sterile conditions. However, if the mushrooms seem exceptionally dirty, you can fill a large bowl with cold water and briefly swirl a few mushrooms at a time in the water to loosen any dirt. Immediately after, pat them dry with a lint-free towel and lay them out to air-dry completely.
Wild mushrooms, on the other hand, may require a more thorough cleaning process. Before consuming wild mushrooms, it is crucial to research and properly identify them to ensure they are safe to eat. Brushing wild mushrooms carefully is recommended to prevent damaging the product. If the mushrooms have a lot of dirt in their crevices, a gentle wash in cold water may be necessary. Similar to cultivated mushrooms, they should be dried thoroughly after washing.
Additionally, some people recommend using a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down the mushrooms after brushing or washing to ensure they are extra clean. It is also important to note that mushrooms should only be cleaned right before cooking, as moisture can promote mould growth.
Lastly, certain types of mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms, should always be cooked before consumption, as eating them raw can cause stomach discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom cream is a sauce or soup made with mushrooms as the primary ingredient.
The main ingredients in mushroom cream are mushrooms, butter, cream or olive oil, and white wine.
Some common additional ingredients in mushroom cream include shallots, garlic, lemon juice, flour, chicken stock, saffron, basil, parsley, and other herbs.
Mushroom cream is commonly served with veal, chicken, poultry, pasta, vegetables, and fish.
To make creamy mushrooms, first, sauté the mushrooms in olive oil or butter with a bit of salt and pepper. Then, add in cream or coconut milk, and stir well. Finally, add in your desired seasonings and bring to a slow boil.
