Transforming humble white mushrooms: A pantry hack revealed

Unlike wild varieties, white button mushrooms are available yearly and won't break the bank. They're tasty, easy to prepare, and versatile. Enthusiasts of porcini and bay bolete often look at them condescendingly because they lack the aroma of wild mushrooms. However, this can be changed by frying them with an unusual addition.

Mushrooms, often described as less intense in flavour, benefit from proper preparation. The key is adjusting the pan's temperature appropriately. A heated pan with oil or butter ensures the mushrooms do not become watery. However, mushrooms can also be prepared without added fat. It's essential to fry them on high heat, which helps maintain a golden colour and crispness.

This simple recipe allows you to enjoy the taste of the forest, even if you don't have wild mushrooms on hand. Mushrooms prepared without added fat will surprise you with their flavour due to the right additions. Mushrooms act like a sponge, absorbing aroma and flavour, which this recipe cleverly utilizes. It's best to choose small specimens for this. Both white and brown mushrooms will work.

Adding soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup will make even a skeptical mushroom eater look more favourably upon them. Balsamic mushrooms suit many occasions; they taste great hot as a side dish for dinner or cold as a standalone snack. You can serve them with bread or a baguette or even add them to a salad.

Ingredients:

• 0.45 kg (1 pound) of mushrooms,
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce,
• 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar,
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup,
• 2 cloves of garlic,
• rosemary, thyme, oregano to taste,
• salt and pepper,
• chopped parsley.

Preparation method

1. Place washed and dried mushrooms in a heated pan.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of mixed herbs.
3. Cover and fry until the mushrooms are soft.
4. After this time, remove the lid and fry until the liquid evaporates.
5. Add crushed garlic and fry a little longer.
6. Mix 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and maple syrup.
7. Toss the fried mushrooms in the sauce.

A simple and tasty snack is ready. These mushrooms will delight with their flavour, resembling wild mushrooms. Enjoy!