If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying vegetarian dish, this Easy Baby Bella Mushroom Recipe might just be your new go-to. With their rich, earthy flavor and tender texture, these mushrooms are perfect for creating a healthy meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to please. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Rinse the baby bella mushrooms thoroughly under water, then pat them dry. Slice the mushrooms thinly, approximately ¼ inch thick. If you have pre-washed and sliced mushrooms, you can skip this step.
- In a large skillet, combine butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes, allowing the moisture to release from the mushrooms.
- Stir in the minced garlic and fresh herbs such as thyme, and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes. Ensure most of the moisture has evaporated; if not, you may drain it off.
- Squeeze some lemon juice over the cooked mushrooms for added flavor and garnish with additional herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby Bella (cremini) mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as thyme; other fresh herbs can be used as well)
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
Nutritional Values
Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 1054mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 688IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- What are baby Bella mushrooms?
- Baby Bella mushrooms are essentially mature white button mushrooms. As they mature, they develop a brown color and a richer flavor. They’re the same as portobello mushrooms, which are just allowed to grow larger.
- Are there any nutritional benefits to baby Bella mushrooms?
- Yes, baby Bella mushrooms are nutritious, containing antioxidants, Vitamin B, copper, and potassium. They are low in calories, sodium, and carbohydrates. While this recipe uses butter, which adds calories, you can use less butter or substitute it with olive oil for a healthier option.
- How do you cook sautéed baby Bella mushrooms?
- Begin by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms. Sauté them in a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme, and cook until browned. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
- Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
- Absolutely, you can substitute baby Bella mushrooms with white button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the size and type of mushroom.
- What are some serving suggestions for sautéed baby Bella mushrooms?
- These mushrooms can be enjoyed in various ways such as in quesadillas, with eggs, as a sandwich filling, over mashed potatoes, atop pasta, or as a side with meats like steak or chicken.
Tips
- Keep Ingredients Ready: Since this recipe moves quickly, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking to ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Optimal Mushroom Slicing: Although thinly slicing mushrooms is recommended, you can also leave them whole or cut them in half. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
- Proper Heat for Browning: Cook the mushrooms over medium-high heat to help them brown properly. They release a lot of moisture, so this higher heat level is necessary to achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- Timing for Adding Garlic: Add garlic towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning and turning bitter, which can negatively affect the dish’s overall taste.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A non-stick or stainless steel skillet suitable for sautéing.
- Garlic Press – For finely mincing garlic cloves.
- Herb Stripper – To easily strip fresh herbs like thyme from their stems.
- Lemon Squeezer – To extract lemon juice efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife – For slicing mushrooms and other ingredients.
