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Mushrooms are a much-overlooked ingredient in the Indian kitchen. Maybe it’s the texture or the fact that they’re a fungus that puts people off, but we’re here to tell you that if you’ve been avoiding mushrooms, you’ve been missing out. These simple vegetables are a huge boon in the kitchen, packed with umami flavour and really easy to cook – did you know it’s impossible to overcook a mushroom?
The best part is that they don’t need a lot of treatment or extra work to coax out the best flavours in them, which makes them an excellent choice for a speedy meal. Whether on a busy weekday lunch or a late-night meal craving, they might be the solution.
Video Credits: Maricruz Avaloz - Blog/YouTube
Here are 6 quick fix recipes you can try for mushroom-y goodness that’s on your plate in 30 minutes or less.
1. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant snack or side dish. Remove the stems from large mushroom caps and finely chop them. Sauté the chopped mushroom stems with garlic. Herbs and a handful of breadcrumbs. Then mix with grated Parmesan and some cream cheese until they form a stuffing mixture. Fill the mushroom caps with the mixture, drizzle with olive oil, and air fry on high heat for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
2. Mushroom and Cheese Omelette
An omelette is always a speedy option for a meal at any time of the day (or night!). Whisk eggs in a bowl and pour them into a hot pan with a knob of butter or oil of your choice. Add sliced mushrooms and grated cheese to one-half of the omelette, then fold it over. Cook until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted. Slide it onto a plate, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy a hearty mushroom-y meal.
3. Mushroom Aglio Olio
Pasta is already a go-to quick dish, but this has the flavour and depth of something that took much longer to cook. Start by cooking your pasta of choice until al dente. While it's cooking, in a separate pan, sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil, chilli flakes and minced garlic until they turn golden brown. Season with salt and pepper, then toss the cooked pasta into the pan. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a handful of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
4. Mushroom Bruschetta
Start by slicing your choice of mushrooms: portobello or button mushrooms work well. Sauté them in a hot pan with a touch of olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh thyme until they become tender and golden. While your mushrooms are cooking, toast slices of baguette until they're crisp. Once the mushrooms are ready, pile them onto the toasted bread, garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and drizzle with a balsamic reduction for a burst of tangy flavour.
5. Mushroom Lettuce Wraps
Finely chop a variety of mushrooms and in a hot pan, sauté them with minced garlic, ginger, and a drizzle of soy sauce until they are tender and aromatic. While the mushrooms cook, wash and separate large lettuce leaves, such as iceberg or butterhead lettuce, to use as your "wraps." Once the mushrooms are ready, spoon them onto the lettuce leaves, and top with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. Roll up the leaves, and your mushroom lettuce wraps are ready to enjoy as a light and satisfying meal or appetiser.
6. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
The simplest side dish that can turn into an instant hearty meal when served on top of rice. Rinse and dry your mushrooms and then chop them into thick slices. Add them to a dry pan and wait until they’re golden brown on both sides. Meanwhile, mince your garlic and herbs of your choice, parsley, rosemary or coriander work well. Next, add the garlic and herbs to the pan with a large knob of butter and a splash of oil to keep it from burning. Saute until the garlic is fragrant and serve warm.
