Chestnut mushrooms are an often-overlooked mushroom variety. Similar to white button mushrooms, they feature a tan top and brown-stained stems.
They make for great additions to soups and stews as their firm texture from cap to stem remains consistent. Plus, their distinct flavor and richness make them a versatile mushroom for culinary use in your kitchen.
Bolognese
Bolognese, originating in Bologna, Italy and served with pasta, is an aromatic sauce composed of finely chopped vegetables, tomatoes, white wine, milk and spices that has been simmered until fork tender.
The classic ingredients for this sauce include ground beef, onions, carrots and celery in a soffritto style sauce; tomato puree, wine and stock; all lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
Porcini mushrooms add an earthy, mushroom-forward flavor to this sauce; however, you can easily substitute with regular dried mushroom substitutes. Moreover, you could also add a few tablespoons of tomato paste if desired.
This bolognese recipe is ideal for when you need an easy, fast meal on the go. Thaw it out in your fridge for up to one week or freeze it up to six months, then reheat on the stove top!
To begin making the bolognese sauce, heat a large saucepan over medium high heat and add olive oil. Next add onions, carrots and celery; saute until softened but not browned – you may need to cook them a little longer to achieve your desired texture.
If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a small amount of vegetable stock. Otherwise, cook for another minute or two to thin it out further.
When making fresh bolognese mushrooms, be sure to drain them prior to adding them to the sauce. This is because mushrooms release a lot of liquid during cooking and you want to minimize any extra liquid in your sauce.
Once your bolognese sauce is prepared, you’ll need to prepare the penne pasta. Penne is an incredibly versatile pasta and can be used in many dishes like chicken fettuccine or veggie lasagne.
Once the penne is cooked, toss it in the Bolognese and top off with fresh basil and plenty of freshly grated parmesan cheese. You can even top off with some olive oil or lemon juice! This meal makes a satisfying dinner when served alongside salad for complete nutrition.
Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is an Italian summertime classic, boasting thick slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and fragrant basil. Paired with extra-virgin olive oil for extra flavor and moisture, this quick recipe makes the perfect meal to enjoy during the warm weather.
For this delectable salad, select high-quality heirloom tomatoes and fresh, milky mozzarella cheese. Additionally, use only premium extra-virgin olive oil for maximum flavor and classic appeal.
For an extra touch and sweetness, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the salad. You can purchase this at most grocery stores or make your own with homemade balsamic vinegar.
For added flavor, sprinkle some pepper over the top. If you’re making this at home, I would suggest investing in a pepper grinder for added convenience.
This classic Caprese salad was first created on the island of Capri in Italy. The green and white ingredients resemble the Italian flag, making it a wonderful way to commemorate Italy’s rich cultural heritage.
Traditionally served as a main course or side dish, this healthy salad can also be paired with pasta, chicken, pizza and sandwiches. Packed full of delicate flavors that are naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, low carb and keto friendly for those on the go!
Make this delicious salad by gathering all of the ingredients. Start with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, followed by mozzarella balls and balsamic vinegar. Finally, drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil and top it off with some black pepper for seasoning.
Prepare the salad: Place all ingredients into a large bowl and stir until well mixed. You may need to chill the salad for several minutes before serving; this helps bring out all of the flavors in this recipe!
Once your salad is ready to serve, arrange half the halved cherry tomatoes on a plate and insert some basil leaves between each. Top off with remaining slices of tomato and mozzarella, finishing each one off with freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle over some olive oil, top off with balsamic reduction, then finish off by sprinkleing all surfaces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Pan Roasted Chestnut Mushrooms
If you’re searching for a delicious mushroom dish that requires minimal preparation, pan roasted chestnut mushrooms might be just what the doctor ordered. Their crisp exterior and tender, juicy interior make them ideal for using in many recipes such as omelettes, pies, sauces and soups.
Add them to salads and sandwiches for a mildly nutty, slightly peppery flavor. They make an excellent substitute for white button mushrooms, pairing well with onions, garlic and shallots.
These mushrooms have a milder flavor profile than shiitakes, with an earthy umami taste. Plus, their long edible stems make them ideal for soups, cream sauces, casseroles and stir-fries – they make for delicious additions!
Pan roasted chestnut mushrooms require butter, olive oil, salt and pepper for flavor. You may also add lemon zest, thyme or fresh garlic for extra kick.
Start by heating a pan over medium-high heat and adding butter. Wait for it to melt before adding the mushrooms. Cooking on one side for several minutes, flip the mushrooms over and continue cooking until brown and soft on the other.
Next, add garlic and parsley. When the garlic is fragrant, remove the pan from heat. Gently toss the mushrooms with seasonings; taste for salt and pepper if desired.
Once the mushrooms are done, you can enjoy them with a slice of bread, in your salad or sandwich – either way is delicious!
Chestnut mushrooms are a dark-stained variety of white button mushrooms belonging to the Agaricus bisporus family, which also includes cremini and portobello varieties.
They’re easy to grow and have a wide range of uses. Furthermore, they’re healthy and high in fibre – making them an ideal option for vegetarians.
No matter your cooking skill level, these chestnut mushroom recipes will delight any palate. Not only are they simple to prepare and inexpensive, but they’re packed with mouthwatering flavors and health benefits as well.
Start growing chestnut mushrooms by ordering a fruiting block from a mushroom farm or creating your own with spawn and substrate. With the latter option, it may take longer to harvest your first harvest but often leads to additional harvests in subsequent flushes.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a classic party dish that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Not only are they easy to make, but they can be served with any meal. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve stuffed mushrooms:
One of the simplest ways to serve stuffed mushrooms is with a salad. This makes them even more filling and nutritious!
Another option for serving stuffed mushrooms is with garlic bread. This dish offers a crunchy texture and the delicious aroma of garlic, making it an ideal accompaniment to mushrooms. Furthermore, garlic bread has low levels of fat and calories so it’s ideal for health conscious individuals on the go.
You can serve stuffed mushrooms with a bowl of fruit-based salad as an easy side dish that will complement your main course perfectly. All you need to do is whip up some ingredients and voila! Deliciousness in no time!
For a healthier dinner option, serve stuffed mushrooms with roasted vegetable polenta bowl. The combination of roasted veggies and mushrooms makes for an impressively healthy dish.
These stuffed mushrooms are packed with flavor! The creamy mixture inside is topped off with your choice of cheese – you can use smoked cheddar, cream cheese or Parmesan for the best results!
To prevent your stuffed mushrooms from becoming soggy, you can prepare them up to 1 day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Finally, bake according to the recipe directions for maximum freshness.
If you want to save time, you can prepare the stuffing up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge until baking. Just add an additional few minutes onto the baking time.
For the filling, you will need white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms (larger varieties work best for this recipe), cream cheese, smoked cheddar and Parmesan cheese, panko, fresh herbs, and seasoning to taste with roasted red peppers. For an even more flavorful twist, add some chopped fresh parsley before mixing everything together!
Next, spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of the mixture into each mushroom cap. Transfer these stuffed mushrooms to a prepared baking sheet and lightly coat tops with cooking spray. Bake until the tops are golden brown and the mushrooms are tender (20-22 minutes).
