5 Delicious and Nutritious Mushroom Recipes Every Vegetarian Should Try

Mushrooms are not only versatile and savory, but they are also packed with nutrients and umami goodness For vegetarians, mushrooms can be a delightful substitute for meat, offering a rich texture and depth of flavor that transforms any dish. Below, we've curated five mouthwatering mushroom recipes that will have you cooking these fungi like a pro.

1. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Risotto lovers, rejoice This creamy mushroom risotto recipe brings a gourmet touch to your vegetarian kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, and button)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large pan. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Sauté Mushrooms: Add the mixed mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
3. Cook Risotto: Pour in the Arborio rice, stirring well to coat with the oil. Add white wine and simmer until absorbed.
4. Add Broth: Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, allowing the liquid to fully absorb before adding more. This takes about 18-20 minutes.
5. Finish & Serve: Stir in the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve. Buon appetito

2. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are perfect for stuffing due to their large, meaty caps.

Ingredients:

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep Mushrooms: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove stems from the Portobello mushrooms and scrape out the gills.
2. Sauté Veggies: Heat olive oil in a pan, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts.
3. Assemble Filling: In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach and tomatoes with feta cheese, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake: Stuff each mushroom cap with the filling and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until mushrooms are tender and topping is golden brown.
5. Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a main dish or a hearty appetizer.

3. Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd's Pie

A plant-based version of the classic comfort food, packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, cooked
• 3 cups mixed mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup peas
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup milk (plant-based or dairy)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with milk and butter. Set aside.
2. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.
3. Combine: Add cooked lentils and vegetable broth to the pan. Simmer until the mixture thickens, then add peas and season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble Pie: Transfer the mushroom-lentil mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
5. Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Serve warm.

4. Mushroom Stroganoff

A creamy, savory, and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, portobello), sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plant-based alternative)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure it's vegetarian)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles or pasta of choice for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté Mushrooms: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic and mixed mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are browned.
2. Prepare Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well. Gradually add vegetable broth, followed by Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Finish: Reduce heat and stir in sour cream. Allow the sauce to thicken and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve: Serve the stroganoff over egg noodles or your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.

5. Mushroom Tacos

Who says tacos can't be vegetarian? These mushroom tacos are bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mixed mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 8 small tortillas
• Avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until veggies are tender.
2. Season: Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until warm and pliable.
4. Assemble Tacos: Divide mushroom mixture among tortillas. Top with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
5. Serve: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

These recipes showcase the incredible versatility of mushrooms, making them a must-have in any vegetarian kitchen. From hearty shepherd's pie to creamy stroganoff, mushrooms add depth, flavor, and nutrition to your meals. So, why not give these recipes a try and elevate your vegetarian cooking? Bon appétit