From plain old button mushrooms to exotic fungi like shiitake and oyster, mushrooms offer a world of flavor possibilities. Not only are they rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, but mushrooms also pack savory umami into every dish and have versatile mouth-pleasing textures. From starring in warm bowls of earthy soups to gourmet-stuffed mushrooms, it’s time to celebrate these culinary gems and harness the magic of mushrooms.
Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Sauce
This recipe from She Wears Many Hats simply calls for eight ounces of “sliced mushrooms,” so feel free to mix it up here. While economically smart button mushrooms will work great, experimenting with cremini or even a variety of exotic mushrooms will unearth new flavor possibilities and an extra burst of mushroom magic.
Slow Cooker Mushroom Soup
This hearty soup from Eating Well calls for three (!) pounds of assorted fresh mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and portobello. But this soup’s secret powerhouse is the two cups of dried porcini mushrooms. Dried porcini mushrooms are concentrated in umami flavor and then release all that flavor into the water when rehydrated. Even better? One serving only has 101 calories and 11 grams of carbohydrates. Eat up!
Gouda and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are amazing all on their own, but one way to make them even better is to add cheese and bacon! These gouda- and bacon-stuffed mushrooms from Simply Recipes are easy to make and the perfect portion for any party. Use white button mushrooms (they’re the right size and texture), and don’t skip over the tips in this recipe, like using the mushroom stems in the filling.
Mushroom Stroganoff
You can lighten up beloved beef stroganoff without sacrificing flavor using mushrooms instead of beef. The umami flavor of fresh portobello mushrooms results in an earthy, flavor-packed stroganoff that’s great any day of the week. This recipe from Food Network also calls for eight ounces of shiitake mushrooms, which adds a rich, woodsy flavor.
Chipotle Portobello Mushroom Tacos
Mushroom tacos? Yessss! These smoky, spicy (and vegan) tacos from Feasting at Home are bursting with flavor! Portobello mushrooms are slathered with chipotle marinade and then roasted, imparting intense flavor. Black beans, pickled onions, and vegan cilantro crema add tasty interest to these mouthwatering tacos!
Mushroom and Leek Bread Pudding
This recipe from Food Network Magazine might raise some eyebrows, but this five-star recipe from star chef Ina Garten is a deliciously creative mash-up of traditional bread pudding and Thanksgiving stuffing. Cremini mushrooms bring great umami flavor to this dish, and the gruyere cheese, leeks, rustic bread, heavy cream, and tarragon bring it all to the next level.
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