Mushrooms bring joy to anyone beginning their kitchen adventures.
They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients such as fiber, iron, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, and zinc.
And they’re versatile enough to be used in everything from soups and stews to sauces and even desserts.
While many people associate mushrooms with pizza or pasta dishes, they’re actually quite healthy when eaten raw.
Plus, their texture is perfect for chopping up and adding to other foods.
So if you’ve got a recipe for chopped mushrooms in mind, we’d love to hear about it!
What are the health benefits of eating mushrooms?
- “There is a lot of evidence showing that mushrooms have very high antioxidant activity,” says Dr. Michael Greger, author of How Not To Die. “They contain antioxidants called polysaccharides, which have been shown to help protect cells against oxidative damage.”
- “Mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, which helps prevent bone loss and fractures,” says Dr. Greger.
- “Mushrooms are a great source of selenium, which may reduce your risk of cancer,” says Dr. Greger.
- “Mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, which have been shown to lower blood glucose levels,” says Dr. Greger.
- “Mushrooms have also been found to contain compounds that inhibit tumor growth,” says Dr. Greger.
What are some of the best ways to cook mushrooms?
- Dr. Greger recommends sauteeing them with onions, garlic, and olive oil until tender, then serving them over rice or noodles. He also suggests using them in stir fries, soups, salads, and casseroles.
- “You can sauté them in butter or olive oil, add a bit of salt and pepper, and toss them with any type of pasta,” says Dr. Greger.
- “You can make a quick risotto by stirring chopped mushrooms into hot stock,” says Dr. Greger.
- “Mushrooms are excellent in soups,” says Dr. Greger. “Just chop the mushrooms, sauté them in butter or olive oil, and add them to the soup right before serving.”
- “If you need to use canned mushrooms, try making a mushroom cream sauce by combining cooked mushrooms with heavy cream and white wine,” says Dr. Greger.
- “To make a mushroom gravy, combine mushrooms with flour, water, and milk along with seasonings,” says Dr. Greger.
- “You can also simmer sliced mushrooms in broth with herbs and spices,” says Dr. Greger. “This makes a simple side dish that goes well with just about anything.”
What are the different types of mushrooms?
As mentioned above, mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.
Some of the most commonly available varieties include:
- Button mushrooms — These small mushrooms grow on flat stems that look like buttons.
- Chanterelle mushrooms — These large brown mushrooms grow on tree trunks in forests around the world.
- Cremini mushrooms — These meaty mushrooms grow on logs and trunks of trees.
- Enoki mushrooms — These long, thin green mushrooms grow on bamboo roots in Japan.
- Fiddlehead fern mushrooms — These slender greenish-white mushrooms grow on ferns and have a delicate flavor.
- Hen of the woods mushrooms — This variety has a distinctive aroma and taste. It grows on dead wood under oak trees.
- King oyster mushrooms — These big, juicy mushrooms grow on coniferous trees in North America.
- Morel mushrooms — These earthy mushrooms grow on decayed wood.
- Portobello mushrooms — These large, meaty mushrooms grow on fallen trees in forests throughout Europe.
- Shaggy manes mushrooms — These deep red mushrooms grow on deadwood in forests around the world.
- St. George mushrooms — These small mushrooms grow on dead wood in forests around the world.
- Trumpet mushrooms — These large, trumpet shaped mushrooms grow on decaying logs and trunks in forests around the world.
- Wood ear mushrooms — These slim mushrooms grow on dead wood in forests around the world.
What are some of the most popular mushroom recipes?
- The following recipes were chosen because they use chopped mushrooms as a key ingredient:
- Baked Mushroom Lasagna
- Creamed Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Grilled Portobellos with Herbed Goat Cheese
- Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Tofu Ricotta
- Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
- Roasted Garlic and Artichoke Frittata
- Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Veggie Burger Patties with Roasted Red Pepper Mayo
- Zucchini Mushroom Bake
What are some of the most interesting facts about mushrooms?
- In ancient times, mushrooms were thought to be magical. They were associated with fairies, elves, and magic spells, and were often kept in secret gardens. Today, however, scientists know that mushrooms do not have magical powers.
- It was once believed that eating more than three pounds of mushrooms per week would result in death, but modern science now knows that this isn’t true.
- Mushrooms aren’t poisonous, but they can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms typically begin with hives and swelling of the lips and face, followed by difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Some types of mushrooms are toxic if ingested. The most lethal mushroom is the Death Cap. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and severe headache. Less serious symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.
- One of the biggest misconceptions about mushrooms is that they’re only good for kids. While they’re safe for children, adults should never consume dried mushrooms without first consulting a doctor.
- Mushrooms don’t keep forever. Store fresh mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer where they’ll last for several days.
- Some types of mushrooms are considered aphrodisiacs. However, these effects last only a short time after consumption.
- Mushrooms are known to increase libido. Studies show that men who ate mushrooms four times a week had higher testosterone levels than those who did not.
- Mushrooms are excellent sources of protein. One cup of button mushrooms contains approximately 10 grams of protein, while portobello mushrooms provide 22 grams.
- Mushrooms are a great way to get the recommended amount of vegetables into your diet.
- Many types of mushrooms are considered superfoods due to their nutritional value.
- Mushrooms are low in saturated fat and sodium.
- Mushrooms are rich in fiber and contain lots of antioxidants.
- Mushrooms are high in iron and calcium.
- Mushrooms are full of B vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and folate.
- Mushrooms are a good source of magnesium and potassium.
- Mushrooms are also rich in selenium, zinc, and copper.
- Mushrooms are rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K, and thiamine (v
Easy and Quick Slow Cooker Spaghetti Pasta
Spaghetti is a solid-string pasta made of wheat and water and is a carbohydrate source, which is the preferred energy source for your body.
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
- 1 Onion
- Garlic
- 2 Carrots
- 6 ounce mushrooms
- Bell pepper
- Broccoli
- 2 Tomato
- 1 can tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 pack spaghetti
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and start the recipe by adding olive oil to a large skillet and putting it on medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are brown and when you can smell the garlic.
- Add the carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, and bell pepper and saute.
- And cook for another 4 to 5 minutes.
- Place the vegetables in the bottom of the crockpot and the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt, and stir it really well.
Nutrition
Calories: 1010kcalCarbohydrates: 203gProtein: 38gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 1902mgPotassium: 2201mgFiber: 16gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 12513IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 7mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Hi there, my name is Grace and I am the creator and writer for TheBrilliantKitchen.
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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