Mushroom caviar is a flavorful spread made from finely chopped mushrooms and various seasonings. It’s great as a topping for bread, crackers, or as part of a charcuterie board. Here’s a detailed recipe for you!
Mushroom Caviar Recipe
Ingredients:
- Fresh mushrooms: 500g (about 1 lb) (shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms), cleaned and roughly chopped
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil or butter: 3 tablespoons
- Fresh herbs: 1 tablespoon (parsley or thyme), chopped (optional)
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, for umami flavor)
- Lemon juice: 1-2 teaspoons, to taste
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
Equipment:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Food processor or blender
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions:
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Cook the Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender. If using, add soy sauce during this stage for additional flavor.
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Season:
- Once the mushrooms are cooked down, season the mixture with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. If you’re using fresh herbs, stir them in at this point.
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Blend the Mixture:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Transfer the mushroom mixture to a food processor or blender. Pulse until you reach a spreadable consistency, leaving some texture if desired. Be careful not to over-blend; you want a rustic texture.
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Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the mushroom caviar and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
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Chill and Serve:
- Transfer the mushroom caviar to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, spread on crackers, toast, or used as a dip.
Tips:
- This caviar can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.
Enjoy your mushroom caviar! Let me know if you have any questions or need variations!