Savory Portabella Mushroom Spread
Indulge in the rich, earthy flavors of this Savory Portabella Mushroom Spread, a delightful blend of sautéed portabella mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. This versatile spread, inspired by traditional Russian recipes, is perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. Serve it on toasted bread, crispy pita, fresh zucchini rounds, or crunchy endive for an appetizing appetizer that will impress your guests. Its umami richness and tangy finish from lemon juice and balsamic vinegar make this a must-try spread for any gathering.
1
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (divided, use 1 teaspoon for sautéing green onions and the remaining 2 teaspoons for mushrooms)
Green onions (scallions)
4 (chopped fine, green parts only)
Portabella mushrooms
1/2 lb (cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes (or use baby portobellos, also known as cremini))
Garlic cloves
5 medium (coarsely chopped)
Fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
Fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Balsamic vinegar
4 teaspoons (preferably aged for more flavor)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chopped green onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Remove from pan and set aside.
2
In the same pan, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the portabella mushrooms, garlic, and thyme. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
3
Transfer the sautéed green onions and mushrooms to a food processor. Using the pulse function, coarsely chop the mixture until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Be careful not to overprocess; you want it to remain slightly chunky.
4
Return the mushroom mixture to the pan. Add the fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and ground black pepper. Sauté over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until the excess liquid has evaporated.
5
Serve warm or at room temperature in a small crock alongside your choice of toasted bread, pita crisps, or fresh vegetables. Enjoy the rich flavors of this gourmet spread!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
20g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Portabella Mushroom Spread?
It is a rich, earthy blend of sautéed portabella mushrooms, garlic, and fresh herbs, inspired by traditional Russian recipes.
Is this mushroom spread vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients like olive oil and mushrooms.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 200 calories in one serving of this spread.
What type of mushrooms can I use?
The recipe calls for portabella mushrooms, but you can also use baby portobellos, also known as cremini.
How much protein is in this spread?
Each serving contains 5 grams of protein.
What is the total fat content?
This recipe contains 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in the spread?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 5 medium garlic cloves, coarsely chopped.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables.
Should I use the white or green parts of the green onions?
You should use the green parts only, chopped fine.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The spread is flavored with fresh thyme leaves.
How should I cut the portabella mushrooms?
Cut the mushrooms into 1 1/2-inch cubes before cooking.
What provides the tangy finish to the spread?
A combination of fresh lemon juice and balsamic vinegar provides the tangy finish.
How long do I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and browned.
Should the spread be smooth or chunky?
The mixture should be pulsed in a food processor until it is spreadable but still slightly chunky.
How do I serve this mushroom spread?
You can serve it warm or at room temperature on toasted bread, pita crisps, zucchini rounds, or endive.
Can I use a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to pulse the sautéed mushroom mixture into a spread.
Why is the mixture returned to the pan after processing?
It is returned to the pan to sauté for 1-2 minutes with lemon juice and balsamic vinegar to evaporate excess liquid.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of vinegar is recommended?
Balsamic vinegar is recommended, preferably aged for more flavor.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a healthy spread.
What is the serving size?
The recipe is calculated for 1 serving.
How long should I sauté the green onions?
Sauté the chopped green onions for about 2 minutes until softened.
What seasoning is used for the final touch?
Fresh ground black pepper is added to taste.
What gives the spread its 'umami' flavor?
The combination of sautéed portabella mushrooms and garlic creates the umami richness.
Can I serve this as a party appetizer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful appetizer perfect for entertaining.
Is this dish traditionally Russian?
The recipe is inspired by traditional Russian mushroom spreads.
Should I work in batches when sautéing?
Yes, the instructions suggest working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I use baby portobellos instead of large ones?
Yes, the recipe notes that baby portobellos, or cremini, are a suitable substitute.