John Miller
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are neither a plant nor an animal food, but a type of fungi with a substance called ergosterol. Mushrooms have an earthy flavour and bring umami flavours to dishes. They are low in calories and fat, and can be used as a meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. Mushrooms go well with a variety of vegetables, including bell peppers, carrots, onions, zucchini, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, and asparagus. They can be stir-fried, grilled, sautéed, or used in a frittata, curry, or risotto.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Asparagus, bell peppers, onion, zucchini, peas, scallions, avocado, tomato, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, limes, lemons, spinach, sweet potato, broccoli, baby corn, beans, corn, eggplant, potatoes, summer squash |
| Herbs and spices | Cilantro, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili, basil, chives, cinnamon, garam masala, curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, clove, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, dill, tarragon, oregano, aniseed, mint, kefir lime leaves, lemongrass, bay leaf, Chinese 5 spice, chervil |
| Fruits | Apricot, coconut, limes, lemons, avocado, tomato |
| Legumes | Beans, peas |
| Nuts | Coconut |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms and asparagus
One simple way to prepare this duo is by stir-frying. To make a stir-fry, heat oil in a pan, add onions, and sauté until translucent. Then, add mushrooms and other vegetables, such as crunchy bell peppers and carrots, and cook until the mushrooms are browned. Finally, toss in some asparagus and season with salt and pepper to taste. The asparagus should remain slightly crisp and bright green for a refreshing texture and flavour.
For a more indulgent option, try buttery pan-roasted mushrooms and asparagus. This dish is prepared similarly to the stir-fry but with the addition of butter, creating a rich and savoury flavour profile.
If you're looking for a meatless meal, a mushroom and asparagus stir-fry can be a delicious main course, especially when served with rice or noodles. For extra protein, include tofu or an alternative plant-based option.
Alternatively, roasted asparagus and mushrooms are a tasty option. To prepare, simply place the vegetables on a greased baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until tender, and you'll have a delicious side dish that's perfect for sharing.
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Mushrooms in stir-fries
Mushrooms are a great addition to stir-fries. Their spongy and delicate texture allows them to soak up the flavours of spices and aromatics. They also go well with any other vegetable, so you can add your favourites to the stir-fry.
Some popular vegetable combinations with mushrooms in stir-fries include:
- Broccoli and red bell peppers
- Carrots, onions, cabbage, asparagus, snow peas, or zucchini
- Brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, cabbage, asparagus, bell peppers, snow peas, or zucchini
- Crunchy bell peppers and carrots
- Baby corn, beans, broccoli, or any other vegetable of your choice
It is important to note that you should cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Additionally, when cooking mushrooms, avoid adding salt at the beginning as it will draw out their water, making them soggy and preventing browning.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and add onions. Sauté for 5 minutes on high heat.
- Add all the vegetables except spring onions and sauté until they slightly change colour.
- Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté for another 10 minutes on medium-high heat until the mushrooms start to brown.
- Add soy sauce and salt to taste, stirring continuously.
- Stir fry for another 5 minutes or until all the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add herbs such as oregano, thyme, and parsley, and mix well.
- Finally, add chopped spring onions and give a final mix before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious mushroom and vegetable stir-fry!
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Mushrooms with herbs
Mushrooms are very versatile and taste great with many herbs. Here are some ideas for herbs that go well with mushrooms:
Cilantro, Parsley, and Chives
These herbs have a fresh, bright flavour that can complement the earthiness of mushrooms. Cilantro and chives have a slightly sharp taste, while parsley is more mellow, making them perfect for sprinkling over dishes featuring mushrooms.
Thyme and Rosemary
Thyme has a subtle, slightly minty flavour that goes well with mushrooms. Rosemary, on the other hand, has a stronger, pine-like flavour that can stand up to the earthiness of mushrooms. Both herbs are commonly used in mushroom dishes, especially when paired with other ingredients like garlic.
Oregano and Basil
Oregano has a bold, slightly pungent flavour that can add depth to mushroom dishes. Basil, with its hint of sweetness and anise, can also enhance the taste of mushrooms, especially when combined with tomatoes.
Garlic and Chilli
Although not technically herbs, garlic and chilli are worth mentioning as they are often used alongside herbs to flavour mushroom dishes. Garlic's pungent, savoury flavour complements mushrooms well, and a small dried chilli pepper or red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
Other Herbs
Other herbs that can be used with mushrooms include dill, tarragon, aniseed, mint, bay leaf, and chervil.
Recipe Ideas
- Sautéed mushrooms with garlic, chilli, and parsley, served on toasted bread with a shaving of manchego or crumbled blue cheese.
- Wild mushrooms sautéed with shallots, thyme, and parsley, served as a side dish with steak or Italian dishes.
- Stir-fried mushrooms with bell peppers, carrots, and onions, seasoned with oregano, thyme, and parsley, served as a side or appetiser.
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Mushrooms with peppers
Mushrooms and peppers is a classic combination, and there are several ways to prepare this dish. One popular method is to make a stir-fry or sauté, which can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are some tips and variations for creating delicious mushroom and pepper dishes:
Ingredients and Preparation:
Start by choosing your mushrooms and peppers. Cremini mushrooms, also known as "baby bella" or "baby portobello," are a popular choice for their earthy flavour. However, white mushrooms or other varieties can also be used. For the peppers, bell peppers are a colourful and versatile option, offering sweetness and a range of colours. You can use red, green, or yellow bell peppers, or a combination, depending on your preference.
To prepare the dish, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they are soft and golden. Then, add minced garlic and cook for a minute or so. Next, add your sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and have released their moisture. At this point, you can also add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli for extra texture and flavour.
Seasoning and Flavour Variations:
Now it's time to add the sliced peppers and cook until they soften. You can season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. One key ingredient that pairs well with mushrooms and peppers is balsamic vinegar. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar brings sweetness, acidity, and fruitiness to the dish. It creates a savory glaze on the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness. You can also experiment with herbs and spices. Some options include tarragon, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes, or chilli flakes for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions:
This mushroom and pepper stir-fry is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways. It makes a great side dish for roasted meats like chicken or steak. You can also serve it on toast or bruschetta, pureeing the sauce for a unique twist. For a heartier meal, toss the cooked veggies with pasta, adding crumbled Italian sausage and grated Parmesan cheese. If you're looking for a low-carb option, try serving the medley with shredded rotisserie chicken over steamed riced cauliflower, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
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Mushrooms and avocado
Mushroom and Avocado Toast
Mushroom and avocado toast is a popular dish that can be made in 10 minutes with just one pan and 7 ingredients. The toast can be made with any type of bread, including wheat, whole grain seeded, or gluten-free. For the skillet base, you can use olive oil, vegan butter, or dairy butter.
First, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add some minced garlic and jalapeño pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden. Then, add the mushrooms and thyme sprigs and cook for 3-4 minutes without disturbing the pan. After that, toss the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Once the mushrooms are lightly browned, season them with salt and pepper and continue cooking until they are completely browned.
In the meantime, prepare the avocado toast. Mash an avocado and mix it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You can also add lemon juice or cider vinegar for some acid. Spread the avocado mixture on the toasted bread.
Finally, when the mushrooms are ready, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in a dash of coconut milk and red wine vinegar. Spoon the cooked mushrooms over the avocado toast and enjoy!
Other Vegetable Combinations with Mushrooms
Mushrooms are very versatile and can be combined with a variety of vegetables. Some popular combinations include stir-fried mushrooms with bell peppers, carrots, baby corn, broccoli, beans, or other vegetables of your choice. Mushrooms also go well with zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms pair well with bell peppers, carrots, baby corn, broccoli, beans, onions, and tomatoes.
Mushrooms and vegetables can be combined to make a nutritious and tasty stir-fry. You can add bell peppers, carrots, onions, tomatoes, and your choice of spices.
Sautéed mushrooms with asparagus is a flavorful and quick vegan side dish. You can also make pepper burrito bowls with mushrooms and bell peppers for a low-carb option.
Mushrooms go well with avocados, wild rice, and even eggs in a frittata. Mushrooms can also be stuffed with cheese for a tasty treat.
In Asian cuisine, shiitake mushrooms are commonly used and go well with meat dishes, soups, and sauces. Enoki mushrooms are often used in soups or salads, while morels are a delicacy in springtime.
