Frederic Melton
Mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, and they pair well with a wide range of spices and herbs. Their delicate earthy flavour adapts to almost any food or flavouring you combine them with. They are commonly used as a meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. Mushrooms and parmesan cheese is a compatible couple, and they also pair well with other cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and goat cheese. Spices that go well with mushrooms include rosemary, thyme, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spices | Black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, anise seed, ginger, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, tarragon, five-spice powder |
| Herbs | Parsley, sage, oregano, rosemary, thyme, chives |
| Other | Salt, garlic, butter, wine, olive oil, onion, curry powder |
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What You'll Learn
Parsley, red pepper flakes, tarragon, ginger, thyme and rosemary
Parsley is a mild-flavoured herb often used as a garnish. It has a fresh, grassy flavour that pairs well with mushrooms. You can add parsley to your mushroom dish to make it taste even better. For instance, you can add mushrooms, oregano, and parsley to your favourite pasta sauce recipe.
Red pepper flakes are not mentioned in the sources in the context of mushrooms and Parmesan cheese. However, red pepper flakes are commonly used to add heat and flavour to dishes. They can be added to a dish during cooking or sprinkled on top just before serving.
Tarragon is an excellent herb to pair with mushrooms. It has a slightly sweet and anise-like flavour that can enhance the earthiness of the mushrooms. Tarragon is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sauces, marinades, and salads.
Ginger is a spice with a unique, strong flavour and a warm, pungent smell. It pairs well with mushrooms, especially in stir-fries and Asian-inspired dishes. Ginger can also be used to add a spicy kick to mushroom soups or stews.
Thyme is a fantastic herb to use with mushrooms. It has a spicy, calm, and agreeable aroma that blends perfectly with mushrooms. You can sprinkle thyme over your cooked mushrooms or massage it into your mushrooms before cooking. Thyme is commonly used in Mediterranean dishes and pairs well with other herbs and spices.
Rosemary has a woody, evergreen flavour with hints of lemon and sage. It is a versatile herb that can be dried, minced, and sprinkled over your mushroom dish. Rosemary is often used in Mediterranean-style dishes, such as pasta with olive oil and garlic. It is best to use rosemary sparingly, as its intense flavour can easily overpower the dish.
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Sage and oregano
Sage is a herb with a slightly peppery taste that pairs well with rich ingredients such as mushrooms, butter, and cheese. It is often used in dishes such as stuffing, risotto, and gnocchi. When fried in butter, sage can be an excellent addition to pasta dishes. For example, you can fry sage leaves in butter and then add mushrooms and garlic to make a delicious sauce for cheese tortellini.
Shiitake mushrooms are particularly well complemented by the flavour of sage. A quick and easy meal idea is a creamy mushroom and sage pasta, which can be made in 20 minutes. Simply fry shallots and sage leaves in butter, then add sliced mushrooms and fry until browned. Next, add frozen spinach and allow it to thaw before seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Finally, pour in vegetable stock and heavy cream, along with reserved pasta water to thicken the sauce.
Oregano is another herb that goes well with mushrooms. It has a strong flavour and is commonly used in Italian and Greek dishes such as pizza and pasta sauce. Oregano pairs well with bold flavours such as garlic, olives, and tomatoes, making it a great multi-purpose ingredient for mushroom recipes.
Combining mushrooms, oregano, and parsley in your favourite pasta sauce recipe can result in a delicious meal. Similarly, oregano can be added to a pizza along with thyme, rosemary, and mushrooms for a savoury dish.
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Salt and pepper
Salt is a great way to enhance the natural flavour of mushrooms. However, it is important to note that salt draws out the natural moisture of mushrooms, so it is best to add it at the end of cooking to avoid drying them out. Salt also helps to balance the earthy notes of mushrooms, accentuating their savoury umami flavour.
On the other hand, pepper adds a sharp, pungent kick to mushrooms. Black pepper, in particular, is a classic pairing with mushrooms. It brings a warm, spicy aroma and a hint of heat, creating a pleasant contrast with the earthy, savoury notes of mushrooms. Together, salt and pepper elevate the flavour profile of mushrooms, making them even more delicious.
When seasoning mushrooms with salt and pepper, it is essential to exercise restraint. A light hand ensures that the seasonings enhance rather than overwhelm the natural flavour of the mushrooms. It is also worth noting that the heat from cooking can intensify the saltiness and spiciness of a dish, so it is advisable to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
In addition to salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese is another classic pairing with mushrooms. The salty, nutty flavour of Parmesan complements the earthiness of mushrooms beautifully. When combined with salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese adds a savoury depth to mushroom dishes, making them even more irresistible.
Whether it's a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper or a more complex combination with Parmesan cheese, mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can take on a range of flavours. Experimenting with different seasonings and spices can take mushrooms to a whole new level of flavour.
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Butter and garlic
To make this, melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until they start to brown and are tender. Then add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Finally, stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens. You can garnish with parsley and more Parmesan cheese.
For the mushrooms, you can use fresh button or cremini mushrooms. However, you can also mix different types such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello for a variety of textures and flavours.
To enhance the flavours further, you can add herbs such as thyme and parsley. Fresh thyme adds an aromatic depth to the dish, while parsley adds a burst of freshness and colour. If you like your food a little spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
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Asian flavours: five-spice powder
Parmesan cheese and mushrooms are both versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. While they are not traditionally associated with Asian flavours, they can be incorporated into Asian-inspired fusion dishes.
Asian Flavours and Parmesan Cheese
While dairy is not commonly used in traditional Asian cuisines, fusion dishes are becoming increasingly popular. Parmesan cheese, with its savoury flavour, can complement the salty, sweet, and spicy notes often found in Asian cuisine. For example, a squeeze of lemon juice and a light sprinkling of Parmesan can add a unique twist to a stir-fry, creating a fusion of Italian and Asian flavours. However, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish to ensure that the cheese enhances the existing flavours without overwhelming them.
Asian Flavours and Mushrooms
Mushrooms are commonly used in Asian dishes, especially in stir-fries. They provide umami flavours and a soft, spongy texture, making them a popular meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. When incorporating mushrooms into Asian-inspired dishes, they can be paired with ingredients such as garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and spicy peppers or onions, creating a blend of traditional Asian flavours.
Five-Spice Powder
Five-spice powder is a well-known Chinese seasoning blend, typically consisting of four core ingredients: cinnamon, fennel, star anise, and cloves. The fifth spice can vary and is often a combination of ginger, white pepper, and Sichuan peppercorns. Making your own five-spice powder allows you to customise the blend to your taste preferences. To make the powder, gather the whole spices, toast them in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant, and then blend them into a fine powder using a blender or spice grinder. Store the powder in a sealed container away from heat and light, and it should remain fresh for up to 24 months.
Using Five-Spice Powder with Mushrooms and Parmesan Cheese
When incorporating five-spice powder into dishes featuring mushrooms and Parmesan cheese, consider the balance of flavours. The savoury and umami notes of the Parmesan and mushrooms can complement the warm, aromatic spices of the five-spice powder. Here are some ideas for using five-spice powder with mushrooms and Parmesan cheese:
- Stir-Fry: Create an Asian-inspired stir-fry with mushrooms, vegetables, and thin slices of Parmesan cheese. Season the dish with five-spice powder, garlic, and ginger.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuff large mushroom caps with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and five-spice powder. Bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Asian-Style Pasta: Prepare a pasta dish with mushrooms, thin slices of Parmesan, and an Asian-inspired sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and five-spice powder.
- Mushroom and Parmesan Dumplings: Combine minced mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and five-spice powder to create a savoury filling for dumplings or potstickers. Serve with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce and ginger.
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Frequently asked questions
Spices like black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder pair well with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
You can use white pepper or red pepper flakes instead of black pepper.
Yes, herbs like parsley, oregano, and sage go well with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Yes, you can use fresh herbs. However, keep in mind that dried herbs impart a stronger flavor than fresh herbs.
Yes, you can try making a mushroom risotto with sage and parmesan cheese, or a pasta sauce with oregano, parsley, and mushrooms. You can also sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of a pizza with mushrooms, thyme, and rosemary.
