Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, stir-fries, stews, and more. They can be cut in a variety of ways, including slicing, quartering, and dicing. Quartered mushrooms are created by first slicing the mushroom in half and then slicing each half into quarters. This cutting technique is often used to replicate a meaty texture in dishes and is commonly used in hearty stews or as a side dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Cutting the mushroom in half, turning 90 degrees, and cutting the halves into quarters |
| Use | Used for hearty stews, stir-fries, chilis, chunky stews, or as a side dish |
| Texture | Replicates a meaty texture |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days |
| Calories | 25kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 0.4g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 6mg |
| Potassium | 361mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 3mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
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What You'll Learn
How to quarter mushrooms
Quartered mushrooms are great for stir-fries, chilis, chunky stews, or roasting with a bit of olive oil. They are also used to replicate a meaty texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to quarter mushrooms:
Step 1: Use a damp paper towel to gently wipe the debris off the mushrooms before cutting. Mushrooms are like sponges and will soak up liquid quickly, so using a paper towel to clean them is the best method, unlike running them under water.
Step 2: Place the mushroom on its side on a cutting board and hold it in place. With a sharp knife, slice off the stem. You can remove the entire stem from portobello mushrooms, since it’s usually too dried out and woody to be palatable.
Step 3: Place the mushroom cut side down and begin to slice through in even slices.
Step 4: Cut the mushroom in half and then cut each half in half to make quarters. Rotate the mushroom 90 degrees before making the final cut.
Step 5: You can now use the quartered mushrooms in your recipe. If you have a lot of mushrooms, you can also freeze them for later use.
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Recipes using quartered mushrooms
Quartered mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas for recipes using quartered mushrooms:
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a simple yet delicious dish that can be served as a side or used as a topping for steak, chicken, pasta, or sandwiches. To make sautéed mushrooms, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add quartered mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook for four minutes without stirring, then stir and cook for another two minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add butter and garlic, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are fully cooked. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.
Grilled or Broiled Mushrooms
Quartered mushrooms can be tossed with oil and salt and grilled or broiled to create juicy and flavourful mushrooms that can be used as a side dish or in other recipes. For a simple preparation, place the quartered mushrooms on a sheet pan, spray with oil, and dust with salt. Cook in a toaster oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
Hearty Stews
Quartered mushrooms add texture and depth of flavour to hearty stews. Their meaty texture makes them a satisfying addition to any stew recipe. Simply add the quartered mushrooms to your favourite stew recipe, or try finding a mushroom stew recipe online.
Soups
Mushrooms are a great addition to soups, adding flavour and texture. Try adding quartered mushrooms to your favourite soup recipe, or search for mushroom soup recipes online for inspiration.
Stuffing
Quartered mushrooms can be used as a base for vegetarian stuffing or as a filling for stuffed mushrooms. Simply chop the quartered mushrooms into smaller pieces and mix with your favourite stuffing ingredients.
Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is another excellent way to showcase quartered mushrooms. Combine them with other vegetables and a protein of your choice, and stir-fry over high heat for a quick and tasty meal.
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Why quarter mushrooms instead of slicing them
Quartering mushrooms is a common step in many recipes. It involves slicing the mushroom in half and then slicing each half in half again, resulting in four equally sized pieces. While some recipes call for slicing mushrooms, others specifically instruct to quarter them. So, why is quartering mushrooms preferred in certain recipes?
Firstly, quartering mushrooms can replicate a meaty texture. This makes it ideal for vegetarian or vegan dishes where a hearty, satisfying bite is desired. For example, quartered mushrooms can be a great meat substitute in dishes like pulled "pork" or vegetarian patties. The larger, chunkier pieces provide a more substantial mouthfeel compared to thin slices.
Secondly, quartered mushrooms are excellent for dishes where you want to showcase the mushrooms as a prominent ingredient. In recipes like mushroom risotto or roasted garlic mushrooms, quartered mushrooms offer a robust presence on the plate. Their larger size also helps them hold up better during cooking, ensuring they don't disintegrate or become too soft.
Additionally, quartering mushrooms can be safer and easier than slicing them. When quartering, you typically place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board, providing a stable base for cutting. This stability reduces the risk of accidental slips or cuts. Furthermore, some mushroom varieties have a woody or fibrous texture, especially in the stems. Quartering allows you to easily remove the stems and chop them up separately, ensuring you only use the more tender parts of the mushroom in your dish.
Lastly, quartered mushrooms are perfect for dishes like stir-fries, chilis, and stews. They provide a nice bite-sized piece that is easy to eat and can be easily tossed or mixed with other ingredients. Sliced mushrooms may become too soft or fragile for these types of dishes, whereas quartered mushrooms maintain their shape and texture better during cooking.
In conclusion, quartering mushrooms instead of slicing them serves specific culinary purposes. It enhances texture, makes cooking safer and easier, and ensures the mushrooms are the ideal size and shape for certain recipes. As always, the best cutting method depends on your personal preference and the requirements of the dish you're preparing.
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How to clean mushrooms before cutting
To clean mushrooms before cutting them, you'll want to start by gently wiping each mushroom with a damp paper towel or a soft brush. This will help remove any visible dirt or debris. If the mushrooms are particularly dirty or sandy, you can also quickly rinse them under cool running water. However, they are like little sponges and can absorb water quickly, so it's important to avoid soaking them. Another method is to use a mushroom brush, which is a soft-bristled brush specifically designed for cleaning mushrooms. You can also use a vegetable peeler to peel off the outer layer of the mushroom cap if you prefer. Once they are clean, trim the stems to the desired length, removing any tough or woody ends. Now they are ready for cutting or slicing.
If you are planning to cut them into quarters, first cut each mushroom lengthwise into two halves. Then, place the halves cut-side down and cut each half into two equal pieces, resulting in four equal quarters. This is a common technique used in cooking to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture. Quartered mushrooms are often used in stir-fries, sautés, or grilled recipes where you want them to cook through quickly and evenly.
Whether you are cleaning button, cremini, or portobello mushrooms, the process remains largely the same. However, with larger varieties like portobellos, you may find it easier to use a spoon to scrape out the gills underneath the cap, as they can turn dishes dark and muddy. It is generally not recommended to peel mushrooms, as the skin is where most of the nutrients are concentrated.
Storing cleaned mushrooms is simple; place them in a paper bag or a container with paper towels and keep them in the fridge. This will help absorb any excess moisture and keep them fresh for longer. With these cleaning and cutting techniques, you'll be able to prepare mushrooms like a pro and incorporate them into a variety of delicious recipes.
Remember, when preparing mushrooms, always handle them with care to avoid bruising, and cook them soon after cleaning for the best texture and flavor.
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Types of mushrooms suitable for quartering
Quartering mushrooms is a great way to replicate a meaty texture and add depth of flavour to recipes. It involves cutting the mushrooms into slices and then into quarters. This technique is suitable for many types of mushrooms, including:
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are a variety known for their meaty texture. When preparing these mushrooms for quartering, it is recommended to remove the entire stem as it tends to be too dried out and woody. The gills of the mushroom should also be scooped out, as they can become mushy when cooked. After preparing the mushroom, cut it into slightly thicker slices, then cut each slice into quarters.
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms are a smaller variety that can be easily cut into quarters. An efficient way to slice button mushrooms is to use an egg slicer, which quickly cuts through the mushrooms without squashing them.
Baby Bella Mushrooms
Baby bella mushrooms, also known as cremini mushrooms, are a smaller, younger version of portobello mushrooms. They have a more delicate flavour and texture compared to mature portobellos. When quartering baby bella mushrooms, it is important to first wipe them clean with a damp paper towel instead of rinsing them, as they can absorb too much moisture and become soggy.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms have a distinct umami flavour and are commonly used in Asian cuisine. When preparing shiitake mushrooms for quartering, it is recommended to remove the stems, as they can be tough and fibrous. The caps can then be sliced and cut into quarters.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Lion's mane mushrooms have a shaggy, lion-like appearance and a unique flavour and texture. They are known for their health benefits, including potential immune-boosting and cognitive-enhancing properties. When preparing lion's mane mushrooms for quartering, it is important to clean them gently due to their delicate structure. The stems are usually too tough to eat, so they can be removed, and then the fluffy mane can be sliced and cut into quarters.
These are just a few examples of mushrooms that can be quartered. Remember, when quartering mushrooms, it is important to use a sharp knife and practice proper hand posture to ensure safety and ease of cutting.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom quartering is a technique used to cut mushrooms into quarters. This involves slicing the mushroom in half and then slicing each half into quarters.
Place the mushroom stem side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice it in half. Rotate the mushroom 90 degrees, then slice each half into quarters.
Quartered mushrooms are great for stir-fries, chilis, chunky stews, or roasting with a bit of olive oil. They are also used to replicate a meaty texture in recipes.
Keep fresh mushrooms in a vented container lined with a paper towel or a porous container with a paper towel. They should last a minimum of 4-5 days in the fridge.
