Mushrooms are available all year round, but are at their best in the Autumn months, when people choose to eat for comfort as much as to satisfy hunger. They are high in selenium, thought to protect against cancer, and rich in B vitamins and potassium and make the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal.
Mushrooms are also loved by foodies because of their ability to soak up other flavours with their sponge-like texture. This recipe calls for the strong flavours of garlic and Stilton cheese which work well with the soft woody taste of the mushroom itself. In every bite there is the soft earthy taste and texture of the mushroom, pungent garlic and tart stilton. Only a small amount of olive oil is used and the mushrooms are baked in the oven, making this a healthy and tasty addition to a mixed grill or steak dish.
If cooking for vegetarians, the mushroom and its meaty texture holds up on its own and provides a filling alternative to meat.
How to Make Garlic and Stilton Baked Mushrooms (serves two)
Ingredients
- 2 large flat mushrooms
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 2 slices of stilton cheese
- salt and pepper to season
- drizzle of olive oil
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180C. Wipe the mushrooms clean and place on a baking tray. Remove the stalks, leaving the heads of the mushrooms intact with the underside facing up towards you.
- Sprinkle each mushroom evenly with the garlic and then crumble over the stilton. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes, until the mushrooms are soft and the cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Variations on the Recipe:
Try different cheeses. If the taste of stilton is too strong, try Danish Blue, Blacksticks Blue or even a good Cheddar grated over. The melting quality of different cheeses varies greatly as well as their taste.To serve this dish as a starter, toast a slice of of ciabatta and place the mushrooms and their cooking juices on top. Serve with some light salad leaves as a garnish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
This mushroom dish takes only minutes to prepare, and is versatile enough to be made for one, as an easy and quick snack, or to impress at a dinner party as a starter. It is cheap, and uses easily available and seasonal ingredients. With its strong flavours, children also seem to love these mushrooms. A nutritious, filling and tasty dish.
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