Theme of the Week: Cooking with Mushrooms for the Diet

Mushrooms are a culinary treasure that we can enjoy with all their flavor and at the best price. They are considered a delicacy in the kitchen and a delight for the palate; mushrooms are an extraordinary gift from nature. They are perfect to include in our diet after the summer months when gastronomic excesses may have caused us to gain a few pounds. They are very light, with a high water content, and are capable of providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Highly appreciated by great chefs and gourmets, the wide variety of mushrooms available makes them a versatile food with multiple possibilities. Before cooking them, you should know some general tips: 1. Mushroom hunting. The world of mushrooms is so vast and complex that if you are not an expert, do not attempt to gather them on your own. There are thousands of varieties, and some are toxic or even deadly. Always purchase them from a reputable establishment. 2. Price varies with the season. Take advantage of the moments when you find them affordable because a few weeks later they may cost double. 3. Washing. Whatever recipe you plan to make, you will need to wash the mushrooms very well, preferably without soaking them, simply scraping them with a knife (with which you will also cut the bottom of the stem) or with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. If they are too dirty and need to be soaked, do so for only a few minutes so they do not absorb too much water. 4. Consumption. Despite their magnificent properties, they can be somewhat “heavy” on digestion, so moderate consumption is recommended. Gastronomic suggestions From the simplest mushroom to the coveted Boletus, the variety of mushrooms is impressive, as are their multiple culinary possibilities. Chanterelles (great simply grilled with a bit of oil, garlic, and parsley), Amanitas, cardoon mushrooms, trumpets of death, Chanterelles, etc., are some of the most common mushrooms in our cuisine with which to create magnificent dishes. Steak in Mushroom and Chipotle Sauce A good recipe to prepare steak, it can be spicy to taste. Mushrooms with Thyme These mushrooms with thyme are very tasty to accompany a grilled meat. Marsala Chicken with Mushrooms A new variation on the classic Marsala chicken recipe, cooked with a bit of mascarpone cheese and Dijon mustard. Portabella Mushroom Burgers Delicious vegetarian recipe for portabella mushroom burgers with a prepared mayonnaise. Mini Mushroom Quiche An easy way to prepare a mushroom quiche without having to make the dough. In this case, it is replaced with sliced bread. Mushrooms with Pesto A very tasty recipe to prepare some mushrooms.   To discover more mushroom recipes, click here.