Patrick Oconnell
Large flat mushrooms, also known as portobello mushrooms, are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are characterized by their large, flat caps, which can grow up to several inches in diameter. When cooked, they have a meaty texture and a mild, earthy flavour. They can be baked, roasted, sautéed, grilled, or even air-fried, and are commonly stuffed with cheese, herbs, and other ingredients to enhance their flavour. In this article, we will explore different recipes and methods for cooking large flat mushrooms with cheese, providing a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Large flat mushrooms, also called field mushrooms, BBQ mushrooms, or Portobello mushrooms |
| Mushroom size | Around 10-12 cm / 4-4.5" wide |
| Mushroom preparation | Remove the stem to create a cavity for the filling |
| Brushing | Brush away any dirt (do not wash the mushrooms) |
| Drying | Ensure the mushrooms are thoroughly dry |
| Butter | Melted butter brushed onto the mushrooms; salted butter is preferred |
| Seasoning | Sea salt flakes, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion seasoning |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, goat cheese, Parmesan, or any other cheese of your choice |
| Filling | Breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, chopped vegetables, spinach, tomatoes, hot sauce |
| Cooking method | Baking, roasting, air frying |
| Cooking time | 10-15 minutes, depending on the recipe |
| Serving suggestions | Main course, side dish, appetizer, or part of a meatless meal spread |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare flat mushrooms for cooking
Preparing flat mushrooms for cooking is a simple process. Firstly, select large mushrooms that are around 10cm or larger in diameter. Flat mushrooms, also known as field mushrooms, Portobello mushrooms, or BBQ mushrooms, are ideal for this purpose. Before cooking, use a damp paper towel or a mushroom brush to gently wipe away any visible dirt from the mushrooms. Avoid soaking the mushrooms in water, as this can affect their texture and flavour.
Once cleaned, remove the stems from the mushrooms. You can either discard the stems or chop them up to use in your filling or sauce. If you're making stuffed mushrooms, ensure you leave enough room in the caps after removing the stems to hold your desired amount of filling. For a more uniform cooking process, cut the mushroom caps into evenly sized pieces or slices.
At this stage, you can also season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, herbs, or other desired seasonings. Some popular herb choices include thyme, parsley, and basil. You can also add ingredients like butter, garlic, or olive oil to enhance the flavour and moisture of the mushrooms. If using butter, you can melt it and mix it with your chosen herbs before brushing or drizzling it onto the mushrooms.
If you plan to stuff the mushrooms, you can fill them with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, meat, or a combination of your favourite flavours. For a more substantial dish, you can use larger mushrooms, while smaller mushrooms are perfect for bite-sized appetizers or side dishes.
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Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your large flat mushrooms, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the flavour profile you want to achieve. Do you prefer a milder, more delicate taste, or a stronger, more pungent cheese? The type of cheese you select will significantly impact the overall flavour of the dish.
For a milder option, consider using mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella has a subtle, creamy flavour that pairs well with the earthy taste of mushrooms. Its soft, stretchy texture also makes it ideal for melting, creating a visually appealing and indulgent dish. Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in various recipes, including stuffed mushrooms or baked dishes.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a cheese with a bolder flavour, you might opt for goat cheese, also known as chevre. Goat cheese has a tangy, sharp taste that can add depth and complexity to your mushroom dish. Its crumbly texture makes it perfect for sprinkling or mixing with other ingredients. Goat cheese works well in stuffed mushrooms or as a topping for baked mushrooms.
Another popular choice for cooking with mushrooms is Parmesan cheese. Parmesan has a distinct, nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of your dish. It is a hard cheese that can be grated or shredded, making it a versatile ingredient. Parmesan can be used as a topping for roasted mushrooms or incorporated into a stuffing mixture.
Additionally, you might want to experiment with other cheese varieties to find your preferred taste and texture combination. Some options include Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, or even blue cheese, each bringing their unique characteristics to the dish. Remember, the beauty of cooking is in the exploration and personalisation of flavours, so feel free to mix and match cheeses to create your signature mushroom recipe.
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Cooking methods: roasting, grilling, air-frying, baking
Roasting and Baking
Roasting and baking are similar cooking methods and are often used interchangeably. Baking large flat mushrooms, such as portobellos, is easy and brings out the best in their flavour. They don't need much to taste delicious. Firstly, wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel instead of washing them with water, as they can become mushy. You can also peel back any damaged skin or remove the gills with a spoon for a drier mushroom.
For a simple bake, brush the mushrooms with butter or oil, bake for 15 minutes, then top with cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, herbs, and pepper.
Grilling
Grilled portobello mushrooms are a great summer dish and require minimal cleanup. To grill, first, prepare a marinade of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce, rosemary, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Add the mushrooms and coat both sides, letting them sit for up to 30 minutes to enhance the flavour.
Heat a grill or skillet to medium heat, brush with oil, and place the mushrooms on it. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, brushing with the marinade as they cook. You can also add honey to the marinade for extra caramelization. Serve the grilled mushrooms with toppings like cheese, avocado sauce, or make a burger with buns and fresh toppings.
Air-frying
Air-frying is another convenient way to cook large flat mushrooms. Brush the mushrooms with melted butter or oil to ensure an even coat, then cook in the air fryer for about 7 minutes. You can also add garlic butter for extra flavour. Serve these with a variety of dishes, including steak, burgers, or Asian-inspired meals like ramen.
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How to stuff flat mushrooms
Flat mushrooms, also known as field mushrooms, are a variety of edible fungi that belong to the Agaricus bisporus species. They are characterised by their large, flat caps, which can grow up to several inches in diameter. When cooked, they have a mild, earthy flavour and a velvety texture.
Preparing the mushrooms
When preparing the mushrooms, do not soak them in water. Instead, use a mushroom brush to clean them and remove any excess water. Remove the stems from the mushroom caps, creating a cavity for the stuffing.
Stuffing options
For the stuffing, you can use anything from breadcrumbs, vegan cheese, herbs, garlic, and chopped vegetables to sausage, bacon, and different types of cheese. If you want to add spinach, green peppers, and tomatoes, you can sauté them with garlic and onions before stuffing the mushrooms.
Cooking the mushrooms
Once the mushrooms are stuffed, place them on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven until the filling is golden and the mushrooms are tender. You can also cook stuffed mushrooms in an air fryer. Brush the mushrooms with butter, making sure to use all of it, and season with salt. Then, place them in the air fryer and cook until they are properly cooked through but still juicy.
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Serving suggestions
Large flat mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They can be baked, roasted, grilled, sautéed, stuffed, or even air-fried. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
As a Main Course
- Stuff the mushrooms with a mixture of vegetables, cheese, and herbs. You can use a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella, goat cheese, or vegan cheese.
- Bake the stuffed mushrooms until the filling is golden and the mushrooms are tender.
- Serve as a vegetarian main course, offering a hearty and satisfying option for both vegetarians and omnivores.
As a Side Dish
- Bake or roast the mushrooms with garlic and butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve as a side dish to steak, grilled or roasted chicken, pork chops, or burgers.
- Alternatively, serve them with mashed potato, cauliflower, parsnip puree, wilted greens, or a hearty salad.
As an Appetizer or Starter
- Make smaller portions of stuffed mushrooms or serve them as part of a party platter.
- They can be an impressive and delicious addition to any gathering.
In Other Dishes
- Large flat mushrooms can also be added to soups, stews, stir-fries, pasta dishes, or grilled preparations.
- They are versatile and can easily fit into any cuisine, enhancing the flavour and texture of the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
First, brush away any dirt from the mushrooms (don't wash them) and make sure they are thoroughly dry. Then, melt some butter and brush it onto the tops and undersides of the mushrooms. Season the tops with sea salt flakes and place them in the air fryer for around 25 minutes.
Large flat mushrooms are also known as flat mushrooms, field mushrooms, BBQ mushrooms, or portobello mushrooms. They are large, white mushrooms with flat caps. When preparing them, make sure not to soak the mushrooms in water. Instead, use a mushroom brush to clean them and remove any excess water. You can also remove the stems to create a cavity for stuffing.
One option is to stuff the mushrooms with a mixture of vegetables, cheese, and herbs. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as goat cheese, mozzarella, or vegan cheese. Another recipe involves roasting the mushrooms with garlic butter and sprinkling them with Parmesan cheese before serving. You can also bake the mushrooms and top them with a mixture of cheeses for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
