Delicious Mushroom Pairings: What To Serve With Fungi

what to have with mushrooms

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be served as a vegetarian entree or paired with meat, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. Mushrooms are often sauteed, grilled, baked, or fried and can be used in recipes such as stir-fries, pastas, soups, sandwiches, and salads. They are also commonly paired with ingredients like garlic, butter, onions, cheese, eggs, and meat. Mushrooms are known for their earthy, umami flavour and can be used to add texture and depth of flavour to dishes.

Characteristics Values
Vegetables Asparagus, bell peppers, onion, zucchini, peas, scallions, avocado, tomato, cabbage, potatoes, green beans, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, limes, lemons, spinach
Fruits Apricot, coconut, sweet potato, lettuce, kale, radish, broccoli, kohlrabi, arugula
Nuts N/A
Herbs Cilantro, parsley, basil, chives, rosemary, thyme, dill, tarragon, oregano, mint, bay leaf, chervil
Spices Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chilli, cinnamon, garam masala, curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, clove, black pepper, marjoram, aniseed, kefir lime leaves, lemongrass, Chinese 5 spice
Dairy Eggs, egg whites, milk, cream, butter, paneer, tofu
Protein Steak, lamb, bacon, chicken, beef, ham, fish, seafood, veal
Alcohol Red wine, white wine, rosé, bourbon, vodka, whisky, sherry, gin

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Mushrooms and eggs

Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms

For a quick and easy breakfast option, try making scrambled eggs with mushrooms. You can use regular white or brown button mushrooms, or opt for wild mushrooms if you're feeling fancy. Simply beat the eggs in a bowl, add salt and pepper to taste, and beat in some milk. Then, cook the eggs in a skillet, stirring frequently, until they are scrambled to your liking. Don't forget to prepare the mushrooms beforehand by sautéing them with some butter, garlic, and onions until tender.

Mushroom-Spinach Scrambled Eggs

For a nutritious boost, add some spinach to your scrambled eggs and mushrooms. This variation is high in protein and low in carbs, making it a great post-workout meal. Simply cook the onions and mushrooms in a skillet, then add the spinach and stir until wilted before pouring in your egg mixture. You can also sprinkle in some cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

Mushroom Toast with Fried Egg

This dish is a satisfying option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sauté your mushrooms with garlic, shallots, salt, and pepper until they release their juices and the liquid evaporates. Add chicken stock and parsley, creating a saucy mixture. Fry your eggs separately, ensuring the yolks remain runny. Place the fried eggs on top of the mushroom mixture, and sprinkle with additional parsley for a fresh garnish.

Omelettes and Frittatas

Breakfast Sandwiches

For a heartier meal, combine mushrooms and eggs in a breakfast sandwich. Sauté the mushrooms and pair them with eggs cooked to your liking, whether scrambled, fried, or poached. Add your favourite cheese, vegetables, or sauces to complete the sandwich.

The versatility of mushrooms and eggs allows for endless combinations, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your preferred pairings.

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Mushrooms with meat

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of meats to create delicious and hearty dishes. Here are some ideas for combining mushrooms with meat:

Steak

Mushrooms and steak are a classic combination, with the earthy flavour of mushrooms complementing the rich, juicy flavour of steak. Try a broiled top sirloin steak with sautéed maitake and shiitake mushrooms for a luxurious meal. Alternatively, a simple steak and mushroom stir-fry with soy sauce and butter is a popular East Asian dish that brings together the rich, salty flavours of soy sauce and the savoury taste of butter.

Lamb

Mushrooms and lamb are another excellent pairing. Mushrooms blend seamlessly into ground lamb dishes such as a lamb ragout, adding flavour and nutrition. The meaty texture of mushrooms also makes them a good substitute for lamb in vegetarian dishes.

Bacon

Bacon and mushrooms is a classic combination for a reason. Whether it's for a hearty breakfast or a savoury dish, the salty, smoky flavour of bacon pairs well with the earthy notes of mushrooms. Try a bacon and mushroom pasta, or serve them together as part of a breakfast fry-up.

Chicken

Chicken and mushrooms is a versatile combination that can be used in a variety of dishes. Chicken cacciatore, a classic Italian dish, combines chicken with mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions in a hearty stew. For something lighter, a chicken stir-fry with wood ear mushrooms and an oyster sauce is a perfect weeknight meal. Chicken Marsala, with its combination of chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine, is another delicious option.

Sausage

Sausage and mushroom is a hearty and flavourful combination. Try a baked pasta dish with Italian sausage, Parmesan cream sauce, and mushrooms for a comforting and filling meal.

Other Meats

Mushrooms also pair well with a variety of other meats, including ham, beef, veal, and seafood. They can be used as a side dish or incorporated into the main course. For example, Beef Wellington is a classic dish that combines beef and mushrooms, while mushrooms can also be used as a meat substitute in dishes like vegetarian pastas and beefy soups.

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Mushroom sides

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of foods to make delicious side dishes. Here are some ideas for mushroom sides:

Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms are a simple yet tasty side dish. You can cook them in butter or oil, and add ingredients like garlic, onions, spinach, and salt and pepper to taste. For a vegan option, sauté mushrooms with asparagus. You can also dry sauté the mushrooms first, and then add butter at the end to enhance the mushroom flavour.

Mushroom Fritters or Tempura

Coat mushroom pieces in batter, deep fry them, and serve with ketchup or sriracha mayo for a unique and indulgent side dish.

Stuffed Mushrooms

For a more intricate side, try stuffing mushrooms with ingredients like cheese, herbs, or other vegetables.

Mushroom Salad

Slice or quarter mushrooms and add them to a salad for a nutritious and tasty side. They pair well with ingredients like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, cabbage, bell peppers, avocado, and more.

Grilled Mushrooms

Grilling mushrooms brings out their savoury flavour and gives them a crispy texture. Serve grilled mushrooms as a side with a naan-like flatbread, or as a topping for chicken or steak.

Mushroom Rice

Combine mushrooms with rice for a hearty side dish. Wild rice pairs particularly well with mushrooms, and you can also add other ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs.

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Mushroom pasta

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of foods. Here is a recipe for mushroom pasta, a hearty and comforting dish that can be easily prepared in one pot.

Ingredients:

  • Mushrooms (a combination of white buttons, baby bella, and portobello mushrooms is recommended for depth of flavor)
  • Pasta (short pasta with textured ridges is ideal for holding the sauce and grated cheese)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Butter
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Shallots
  • Red wine
  • Tomato paste
  • Parmesan cheese (or a vegetarian alternative)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions minus one minute. Reserve one mugful of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

To prepare the mushrooms, use a lightly damp paper towel to wipe them clean instead of washing them with water, as they tend to absorb water easily.

In a large skillet, heat a combination of extra virgin olive oil and butter. Sauté the mushrooms in the hot pan until they are golden and savory. Add onions, garlic, shallots, and a splash of red wine to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and fresh herbs if desired.

For the sauce, the starchy pasta water acts as a thickener. Combine the pasta water with olive oil, tomato paste, and grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a silky, creamy sauce without the need for heavy cream.

Finally, toss the cooked pasta with the mushroom sauce and serve immediately. Top with more grated Parmesan cheese and chopped walnuts if desired.

This mushroom pasta recipe is a simple and indulgent dish that can be enjoyed as a vegetarian entree or paired with a side of grilled chicken, ham, or garlic bread.

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Mushroom drinks

The earthy, umami flavours of mushrooms lend themselves well to drinks, and they are becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in cocktails.

Mushroom Cocktails

The use of mushrooms in cocktails is becoming more common, with mixologists experimenting with tinctures, infusions, powders, and garnishes. One of the first mushroom cocktails to gain popularity was the Truffle Pig, made with DeLeon tequila, lemon juice, honey, and Chanterelle, Maitake, and Shiitake mushrooms.

Another option is to infuse spirits with mushrooms. For example, gin can be infused with shiitake, cacao, and bergamot, or London dry gin can be soaked with dried mushrooms for a savoury twist on a martini. Whiskey can also be infused with mushrooms and paired with sweet vermouth, orange bitters, and a thyme sprig for garnish.

For a non-alcoholic option, Sonoma’s Little Saint in California offers a cocktail called He’s a Fun Guy, made with Spiritless 74 N/A bourbon, oolong tea, and a glycerin-based tincture of reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps mushrooms, along with rose, burdock, and clove.

Mushroom Mocktails

Mushrooms can also be used in mocktails, such as the Solar Power mocktail created by Mariena Mercer Boarini, which combines cold brew coffee, almond milk, maca root, cacao, and lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms.

Pairing Drinks with Mushroom Appetizers

When serving drinks with mushroom appetizers, such as stuffed mushrooms, a Sidecar cocktail is a good option. The earthiness of the mushrooms pairs well with the flavours of the cocktail, which typically includes brandy, lemon juice, and triple sec.

Mushroom-Infused Spirits

In addition to infusing spirits with mushrooms for cocktails, some brands offer mushroom-infused spirits as a ready-to-drink option. For example, the brand Mushroom Reserve 030 infuses gin with shiitake, cacao, and bergamot, resulting in an earthy and funky flavour profile.

Frequently asked questions

Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many vegetarian dishes. You can make a stir fry, frittata, pizza, or pasta. You can also stuff them with cheese, or use them as a meat substitute in burrito bowls.

Mushrooms go well with many meats, including steak, lamb, bacon, chicken, beef, ham, and seafood. You can make chicken stir-fry with mushrooms and oyster sauce, or baked pasta with Italian sausage, Parmesan cream sauce, and mushrooms.

Mushrooms can be a great side dish when sautéed in butter with garlic, onion, and spinach. They can also be fried and served with ketchup or sriracha mayo.

Mushrooms pair well with eggs, so you can make an omelette or frittata. You can also make eggs en cocotte, which involves baking eggs in individual ramekins with mushroom duxelles, melted Gruyère, and cream.

Mushroom dishes can be paired with red wine or white wine.

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