Mushrooms are one of the most versatile and nutritious foods on the planet. Often overlooked, mushrooms provide a wide array of nutrients, including B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. They are also a good source of several minerals, including selenium, potassium, copper, and phosphorus.
A Brief Look at Mushrooms
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi that grow above ground. While we typically think of the white button mushroom, there are actually thousands of edible mushroom varieties with unique flavors, textures, shapes, and sizes. Common types include portobello, cremini, shiitake, oyster, chanterelle, and morels.
Mushrooms grow wild in forests as well as being commercially cultivated. These ingredients are packed with nutrition, being a good source of B vitamins, selenium, potassium, copper, and antioxidants. They also provide protein and fiber.
In addition to their nutritional value, mushrooms offer a hearty, meaty texture and an umami flavor that enhances dishes; it’s no wonder they have been used for centuries in both Eastern and Western cuisines. They can be used both ways, as the star ingredient or play a supporting role by adding rich flavor.
What Can You Cook With Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are versatile, and it’s easy to incorporate this ingredient into any meal. From soups and salads to main dishes and sides, read on for eight delicious mushroom recipes to try at home.
-
Mushroom Risotto
Start by sautéing a blend of sliced mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, and oyster in olive oil and garlic. In another pan, cook Arborio rice in broth, white wine, and Parmesan, stirring frequently. Once the rice is al dente, fold in the mushrooms and stir until creamy.
If you’re interested in a slightly different take on this classic, learn how to make instant pot mushroom risotto with this recipe, which offers a faster cooking method but equally delicious results.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. For variation, try wild mushroom risotto with foraged varieties like chanterelle, morel, or porcini.
-
Creamy Mushroom Soup
For a comforting meal, you can’t go wrong with creamy mushroom soup. This version uses a mix of mushroom varieties for depth of flavor.
Sauté cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms in butter and olive oil. Then, add chicken or vegetable stock and milk to create a velvety base. Blend all the ingredients and finish the soup with a swirl of heavy cream.
The mushrooms give this soup an earthy, woodsy flavor that’s so satisfying. You can eat it with a spoon or make a loaf of crusty bread for dipping.
-
Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Sink your teeth into a juicy portobello mushroom burger for a satisfying meatless meal. In this unique veggie burger, large, meaty portobello caps serve as the “buns.”
Begin by cleaning and removing the stems from the mushrooms. Then, marinate the caps in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic, and grill the caps until tender. Top them with all your favorite burger fixings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese.
-
Mushroom and Goat Cheese Frittata
Start your day off right with this protein-packed mushroom and goat cheese frittata. Eggs and mushrooms are a classic combination, made even better with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese.
This frittata is easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch. Simply sauté mushrooms, shallots, and garlic in olive oil and fold in whisked eggs. Pour the mixture into a greased skillet and top with crumbled goat cheese before baking. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a beautifully puffed frittata loaded with flavor.
-
Mushroom and Caramelized Onion Pizza
Piled high with sautéed mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, this pizza is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Make your own pizza dough or use a pre-made crust; lay it flat on a counter, brush it with olive oil, and top with mozzarella cheese. Sauté some white or cremini mushrooms in butter and olive oil until lightly browned and scatter them over the pizza crust.
Next, cook sliced onions over low heat until caramelized, and add another layer of it over the mushrooms. You can also add fresh rosemary for an extra layer of aroma and flavor. Top everything with another layer of shredded cheese of your choice and bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp.
-
Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
For a hearty, plant-based main course, try this mushroom and lentil shepherd’s pie. It’s comfort food at its best.
Cook green lentils in the vegetable broth along with sautéed mushrooms, carrots, celery, and onion. They give great texture and flavor. Then, pour the filling into a baking dish and top with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until the potatoes are crispy on top.
The lentils and mushrooms together create a meaty texture similar to ground beef. This vegetarian shepherd’s pie is warm and satisfying on a chilly night.
-
Mushroom and Kale Pasta
This simple pasta dish is ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking.
Sauté mushrooms like maitake or oyster in olive oil, along with a generous amount of raw garlic. Then, toss this mix with cooked pasta, kale, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
The mushrooms and kale give this dish a nutritional boost, while the lemon brightens up the flavors. You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for an extra healthy meal. This versatile recipe works with any type of mushrooms you have on hand. And the end result is a fast, fresh weeknight dinner the whole family will devour.
-
Mushroom Lasagna
You all must have tried regular lasagna, but if you want to give your lasagna an extra flavor boost from meaty, savory mushrooms, try out this recipe.
Sauté a mix of mushrooms like white, cremini, and portobello in olive oil and garlic. Layer the lasagna with noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sautéed mushrooms. The mushrooms add tons of rich umami flavor that complements the tomatoes and cheese.
Conclusion
Mushrooms are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. With their rich, savory flavor and health benefits, it’s easy to see why mushrooms are loved all over the world. This collection of recipes shows the many delicious ways you can use mushrooms for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. With so many types to try, there’s always a new mushroom recipe to explore.