Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and pair well with many herbs and spices. The right combination of mushrooms and spices can significantly improve the taste of your dish. Spices and herbs can enhance the natural umami note of mushrooms and give them additional depth. Classic herbs that go well with mushrooms include thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Oregano, a pungent herb with a strong flavor, is another excellent option for mushroom dishes. If you're looking for something more exotic, coriander, nutmeg, paprika, and tarragon can add unique flavors to your mushroom creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spices | Salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, coriander, parsley, basil, tarragon, sage, nutmeg |
| Health benefits | Vitamins K and C, beta-carotene, iron, anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial properties, digestive aid, protection against infections |
| Use cases | Sauteed mushrooms, mushroom soup, mushroom goulash, mushroom pan, mushroom ragout |
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What You'll Learn
Thyme, rosemary, and sage
Rosemary is another herb that pairs well with mushrooms. It has a range of healing properties and can be used to flavour roasted mushrooms, along with garlic. This combination of flavours also works well in salads and pasta dishes.
Sage is another herb that is commonly used in mushroom dishes. Sage has a pleasantly herbaceous and fresh flavour and is a good match for mushrooms, especially when combined with other ingredients such as apples and onion. Sage is also used in breakfast sausages and is a tasty addition to cheese sauces.
These three herbs are indigenous to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean and are members of the mint family. They are all woody perennials and grow prolifically. They also work well with citrus flavours.
When cooking with mushrooms, it is important to note that they should be cleaned gently with a damp cloth or paper towel, rather than being rinsed with water, as they are very absorbent.
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Parsley, coriander, and basil
Coriander and parsley are often used together in recipes, such as pesto, where they can be blended with cashew or pine nuts, lemon juice, honey, salt, and olive or coconut oil. Coriander is a good source of vitamin K, and its antioxidants help combat free radicals linked to chronic illnesses. Parsley has antibacterial properties and is heart-healthy, thanks to its high levels of vitamins A and K.
Basil is another herb with a wide range of healing properties. It is rich in potent oils that offer anti-inflammatory benefits and contains plant compounds that support mental health. It is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, often paired with tomatoes, and is believed to enhance their flavour. Basil is also used in Tamil and Ayurvedic medicine, where it is said to reduce inflammation and aid those with inflammatory bowel challenges.
All three herbs are mineral-rich and antioxidant-packed, contributing to overall well-being. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta, and are a nutritious and flavourful addition to any meal.
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Oregano, garlic, and paprika
Garlic is a safe bet when cooking with mushrooms, as it is hard to go wrong with. A simple way to incorporate garlic into a mushroom dish is to sauté the mushrooms in butter and oil, then add garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Grilled mushroom recipes can also be enhanced by the tang of garlic.
Paprika is another spice that can be used to create a creamy mushroom sauce. This sauce can be made by heating mushrooms, chopped onions, and olive oil, then adding paprika, chopped tomatoes, and spices. Heavy cream can then be added to make the sauce even more decadent.
These three spices can be used in various combinations to create delicious mushroom dishes, whether grilled, sautéed, or in a creamy sauce.
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Salt, pepper, and turmeric
Salt, pepper, and garlic are a safe bet when seasoning mushrooms, as they are hard to go wrong with. However, if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, consider using salt, pepper, and turmeric.
A Mushroom Pepper Fry is a simple, healthy, and delicious South Indian dish that uses these three spices. To make it, you'll need to add fennel seeds and black pepper to a grinder and powder them. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and chopped garlic, and sauté. Next, add tomatoes, salt, and turmeric, and cook until the tomatoes are soft. Add capsicum, chilies, and onions, and sauté until the raw smell of the onions is gone. Add the mushrooms and fry on high heat for 3 minutes. If the mushrooms start to release moisture, stir-fry on the highest heat until they become slightly tender. Then, add the crushed pepper, fennel seeds, and curry leaves. Fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, until you can smell the spices. Remove from the heat and serve with rice, roti, wraps, or sandwiches.
You can also try a Turmeric Mushroom Breakfast Toast. To make this, heat oil in a skillet, add sliced mushrooms, and cook for 5-8 minutes over medium heat. Add turmeric, baby spinach, salt, and black pepper, and sauté for 3 more minutes. Pile the mushrooms onto toasted bread slices and sprinkle with halved almonds. For extra flavor, dry toast the nuts in a skillet until fragrant, then drizzle the toast with lemon juice.
It's worth noting that pepper helps our bodies absorb the benefits of turmeric, so it's a good idea to include it when using turmeric.
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Tarragon and nutmeg
Tarragon is a herb with a subtly sweet, liquorice-like flavour that is often used in Transylvanian cuisine. It is rich in micronutrients, containing potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and magnesium. Tarragon is the perfect pairing for earthy mushrooms, and it is often used to make creamy tarragon mushrooms, a delicious vegetable side dish that works well with steak and chicken.
To make creamy tarragon mushrooms, sauté the mushrooms and garlic in butter and oil. Then, add the cream and Dijon mustard and cook until the sauce thickens. Finally, stir in the tarragon at the end of cooking so that it doesn't lose its flavour.
Nutmeg is a spice that can be grated and added to mushrooms to create a delicious flavour. Nutmeg mushrooms can be baked into a quiche or used as a pasta sauce for fusilli. To make nutmeg mushrooms, grate nutmeg and slice mushrooms, then add white wine and let the wine come to a boil. Simmer until the wine has reduced and the mushrooms are slightly browned. These tasty mushrooms can then be added to a quiche filling or tossed with pasta.
Both tarragon and nutmeg are excellent spices to use with mushrooms, offering unique and complementary flavours to the earthiness of the mushrooms. Tarragon provides a sweet and subtle flavour, while nutmeg adds a warm and slightly sweet spice.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many spices that can be used to enhance the flavour of mushrooms. Some popular options include thyme, rosemary, sage, tarragon, oregano, basil, coriander, paprika, parsley, and garlic.
Thyme and parsley are a great combination with oyster mushrooms.
For a creamy mushroom soup, try adding oregano or nutmeg for some warmth and depth of flavour.
Grilled mushrooms benefit from the addition of paprika, which adds a pleasant spice and colour.
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