This delicious mushroom can be used as a substitute for meat when used by itself. The Latin name for this fungus is Agaricus bisporus; it appears in North America and Europe, where grasslands proliferate. It is a type of crimini mushroom which grows 4-6 inches in diameter; this particular mushroom is named "portobello" or "portabella" mushroom.
There are three basic ways to cook the portobello, with the following being some tips for preparation.
Grilled portobello
You can use a brush to coat both sides of the mushroom with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place on a grill for five or six minutes until thoroughly cooked.
Sautéed portobello
Slice or chop the mushrooms. Add to heated olive oil or butter in a skillet. You can add other vegetables, such as onions, to cook with the mushrooms. Season to taste with your favorite spices. The mushrooms should be tender in five to six minutes.
Roasted portobello
Brush the mushrooms with oil. Using your oven, set the temperature to 425 degrees. Place mushrooms, cap side up, on a baking sheet. They will be done in about 20 minutes.
A hamburger alternative
Meat lovers can enjoy this dish as well as vegetarians. It is for a grilled portobello mushroom burger that is filling and flavorful.
- Marinate the mushroom in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, rosemary and steak sauce (optional). Let it stand for 20 to 30 minutes, occasionally turning.
- Place on a heated grill that has been brushed with olive oil. Cook for 5 minutes on each side, bushing with marinade while the mushrooms are on the grill.
- Place cheese, cheddar, Swiss or other cheese on top of the mushrooms. Let them grill for another minute.
- While the mushrooms are cooking, grill the bun and other vegetables, such as onion. Assemble all together and add tomato, lettuce or spinach and sliced avocado.
- Eat and enjoy!
Stuffed portobello
You can easily stuff a baked portobello with your favorite fillings, including goat cheese, tomato sauce, spinach and more. Because mushrooms contain an abundant amount of water, it is best to roast them before filling. Then roast the mushrooms for an additional 10 to 15 minutes after you have filled them.
Those who are not strict vegetarians and eat fish can enjoy stuffed portobello mushrooms with a shrimp filling.
- The stems are removed and set aside, and the mushrooms are roasted at 425 degrees.
- Meanwhile, chop the stems and sauté with garlic and onion.
- Cook for about 8 minutes or less.
- Add chopped shrimp, some breadcrumbs, beaten egg, spices and cook until shrimp turns opaque (about 2 minutes).
- Place the baked mushroom caps on a baking sheet and fill with the mixture. Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Do not cover.
- Top them with parsley and serve.
The Takeaway
These are some of the recipes that you can use to discover the tastes of the unique portobello mushroom; from the simple to the divine. Enjoy!
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