Savory Vegetarian Mushroom Dip Sandwiches
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of Savory Vegetarian Mushroom Dip Sandwiches, a plant-based twist on the classic French dip. This recipe features succulent portobello mushrooms and caramelized onions, simmered in a savory vegetable broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Topped with melted provolone cheese and served with a warm, flavorful au jus for dipping, these sandwiches are perfect for a cozy meal at home. Ready in under an hour, they are great for lunch or dinner and appeal to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Share this delicious recipe with family and friends or enjoy it alongside a fresh salad!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow onion
1 (sliced into thin strips)
portobello mushroom caps
3 (about 1 lb.) (rinsed, sliced in half, and cut into 1/4-inch thick strips)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
salt and pepper
to taste (pinch)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (as is)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (as is)
vegetable broth
2 cups (as is)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (as is)
brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon (as is)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (as is)
French bread or ciabatta rolls
4 (6 inches each) (opened)
provolone cheese
4 slices (as is)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the yellow onion into thin strips. Clean the portobello mushroom caps thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Slice each cap in half and then cut them crosswise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
2
Heat a deep skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
3
Add the sliced portobello mushrooms to the skillet along with a pinch of salt and pepper, dried thyme, and oregano. Continue to sauté the mixture until the mushrooms release their moisture and the liquid starts to evaporate (about 10 minutes), allowing the remaining juices to brown at the bottom of the skillet.
4
Once the liquid has reduced and is browning, pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5
While the broth simmers, prepare the rolls. Preheat your oven's broiler. Open the rolls and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Broil the rolls until they are lightly toasted and golden around the edges (about 5 minutes), watching closely to avoid burning.
6
After toasting, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the sautéed mushrooms and onions from the broth. Divide the hearty filling evenly among the four rolls. Top each sandwich with a slice of provolone cheese.
7
Return the sandwiches to the oven and broil for another few minutes until the cheese has melted to perfection. Once done, close the sandwiches and serve them immediately with the flavorful au jus from the skillet for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Vegetarian Mushroom Dip Sandwiches?
They are a hearty plant-based twist on the classic French dip, featuring portobello mushrooms and caramelized onions served with a flavorful au jus.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian and uses plant-based ingredients like mushrooms and vegetable broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How long does it take to prepare these sandwiches?
The recipe can be prepared in under 60 minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
You should use 3 large portobello mushroom caps, which is approximately 1 pound.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one yellow onion sliced into thin strips.
What is the best bread for these sandwiches?
French bread or ciabatta rolls, specifically 4 rolls of about 6 inches each, are recommended.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the butter with oil or a plant-based butter and using a vegan cheese alternative instead of provolone.
How do I prepare the portobello mushrooms?
Rinse the caps to remove dirt, slice them in half, and then cut them crosswise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
What herbs are used to season the mushrooms?
The mushrooms are seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano, plus salt and pepper.
What is in the dipping liquid or au jus?
The au jus consists of vegetable broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and the pan juices from the mushrooms and onions.
How do I deglaze the skillet?
Pour in the vegetable broth once the mushrooms have browned, and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
What is the purpose of adding brown sugar to the broth?
A small amount of brown sugar helps balance the savory and salty notes of the broth.
How should I toast the rolls?
Open the rolls and broil them cut-side up on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until lightly golden.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 slices of provolone cheese, one for each sandwich.
How do I melt the cheese on the sandwiches?
After adding the mushrooms and cheese to the rolls, return them to the oven's broiler for a few minutes until the cheese has melted.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté them for about 10 minutes until they release their moisture and the liquid begins to evaporate.
What should I serve with these sandwiches?
They are excellent served with a fresh side salad and the prepared au jus for dipping.
Is garlic powder necessary?
Garlic powder adds a layer of aromatic flavor to the broth, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
How do I serve the au jus?
Serve the broth from the skillet in small individual bowls alongside each sandwich for dipping.
What can I use if I do not have vegetable broth?
You can use mushroom broth or a bouillon cube dissolved in water as a substitute.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on mushrooms and onions, you could add bell peppers or spinach for extra variety.
How much soy sauce is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to add umami flavor to the dipping broth.
What temperature should I use for broiling?
Use your oven's standard broiler setting, usually around 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though you should triple the amount of fresh herbs to achieve the same flavor intensity as dried.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, the combination of melted cheese, warm bread, and savory broth makes it a classic comfort meal.
Do I need to peel the mushrooms?
No, you only need to rinse them thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the mushroom and onion mixture can be made ahead and reheated before assembling the sandwiches.
What is the serving size for the au jus?
Divide the remaining broth from the skillet equally among the four servings.
Is this recipe suitable for meat-lovers?
Absolutely; the meaty texture of portobello mushrooms and the rich broth are designed to satisfy everyone.