Better with mushrooms

One of the best kept secrets

There in the store, on my lawn, everywhere! What am I supposed to do with them? Read on for a little inspiration!

Mushrooms make many dishes better and more memorable. They aren't always the prettiest thing to see on your lawn or on an old log in the forest. But they are a wonderful addition to almost any cuisine. They look plain but can make your taste buds dance with joy! I am exaggerating, some are beautiful with amazing patterns of color, but many of these varieties are inedible. This one probably should not be part of dinner!

Image by Fiona Smallwood at Unsplash

Mushrooms can help reduce the meat you need for hearty meal. They are themselves meaty and hearty when cooked. There is a wide variety of mushrooms to choose from and can be as flamboyant or economical as you like. White or button mushrooms give a subtle, earthiness to a dish. Cremini, and Portabella have a great, distinct, earthy flavor. Shitakes add both earthiness and a hint of smoke. Porcini or Chanterelle have their own unique qualities. Enoki are wonderful in Southeast Asian soups.

Great, so what do I do with them?

The easiest answer is to add them to salads. You will get a ton of nutrients, a little meatiness and a greater sense of fulfillment.

To be a salad or not to be?

A side dish of strictly mushrooms is a simple and welcome part of many meals. Portabellas marinated for a few minutes in olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, then grilled is like no other. Sauteed this way is great as well when it’s not grilling season. They can be a meal unto themselves or served with almost any meat.

Trying to figure out how to spruce up that side of broccoli or asparagus? Sauté them with garlic and add slices of white or cremini mushrooms for a rich and luxurious dimension that will please the eye and delight your palate.

There is always the classic:

In the mood for pasta? Mushrooms are a great addition and work with a wide variety of sauces. Sautéed mushrooms added to a Marinara or Tomato and Basil sauce adds heartiness to the recipe and can be meatless. Mushrooms in Risotto is another great idea that doesn’t need meat to be delicious.

Image by Valter Cirillo at Pixabay

Not in a tomato mood? Sauté mushrooms and combine with a Bechamel Sauce and your favorite pasta. Want even more veggies? Sauté asparagus or zucchini with the mushrooms. Either are delicious with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.

Mushrooms and pasta!

They are fantastic in Southeast Asian stir fry. The mushrooms absorb the umami and transform into a wonderfully, delicious bite. I have used them to great satisfaction in both Chinese and Thai style fried rice can work in Thai Curries.

Want to soup up your soup? Mushrooms are a great addition, especially with barley or rice. Broths become richer and earthier. Or there is the old standby, Cream of Mushroom soup.

Mushrooms are a great addition to Ratatouille, making it really hearty. They absorb all the flavors of the seasonings and tomatoes. Add a some quinoa and you have the makings of a complete and healthy meal.

More food for thought

As well as adding earthiness and heartiness, many varieties can substitute for other proteins and reducing the meat in a recipe or converting it to vegan by eliminating it entirely. Many varieties are much more economical, have great health benefits, are fat-free, low-sodium, low-calorie, cholesterol-free, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Many varieties have a good portion Selenium which is a great antioxidant and help our bodies resist the development of cancer. They are a great source of Beta Glucan, B vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.

A good serving of mushrooms will help to grow red blood cells which increases the oxygen level throughout your body. They are a healthy source of potassium. I have been told that in supplement form, potassium can be counterproductive. Eat enough bananas, potato skins and mushrooms to keep your heart, muscles and nerve functions performing at a higher level.

Adding mushrooms to your diet can be a great benefit to your palate, your general health, and your budget. I highly recommend experimenting with them: I hope you come to love them as much as I do.