Breaded stuffed mushrooms

Stuffed breaded mushrooms: a delicious and simple recipe for unforgettable moments

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

In a world full of fast meals and conventional dishes, stuffed breaded mushrooms are a perfect choice to impress guests or to indulge yourself on weekends. These delicious snacks are not only tasty but also versatile, being served as appetizers, main courses, or even as part of a picnic. The history of stuffed mushrooms is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, where mushrooms were appreciated not only for their flavor but also for their nutritional benefits.

Ingredients:
- 15 large mushrooms (ideally champignon mushrooms)
- 200 g pressed ham (you can also choose turkey ham for a healthier option)
- 150 g cheese (a cheese with an intense flavor will provide a special taste)
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1/2 tablespoon of oil (extra virgin olive oil will add extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (the fresher, the better)
- Flour (to provide a crispy texture)
- Breadcrumbs (preferably panko for a lighter crust)
- Oil for frying (sunflower oil is ideal for frying)

Step 1: Preparing the mushrooms
Start by cleaning and washing the mushrooms with cold water. Make sure to dry them well, as excess water can affect the final texture. Chop the mushroom stems into small cubes, preparing for the filling.

Step 2: Cooking the filling
In a pan, add the butter and oil, letting them heat gently. Add the chopped stems and the pressed ham, also chopped finely. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated. Add salt and pepper to taste. This step is essential, as a well-cooked filling will give the mushrooms an intense flavor. Once the filling is ready, let it cool.

Step 3: Adding the final ingredients
After the filling has cooled, add the finely chopped parsley and grated cheese. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. This is the perfect moment to taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Stuffing the mushrooms
Take each mushroom and generously fill it with the filling mixture, being careful not to overfill, so it doesn’t spill during frying. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a platter.

Step 5: Preparing for frying
Prepare a workspace to coat the mushrooms. On one plate, place the flour, and on another, beat the egg with a little salt. On a third plate, add the breadcrumbs. Take each mushroom, coat it in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally roll it well in the breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.

Step 6: Frying the mushrooms
In a deep pan, add oil and heat it well. Check the oil temperature by throwing in a breadcrumb – if it rises quickly to the surface, it’s time to fry the mushrooms. Fry the stuffed mushrooms until golden and crispy on all sides. Once ready, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 7: Serving
Stuffed breaded mushrooms are delicious both hot and at room temperature. You can serve them with yogurt sauces, garlic sauce, or even a fresh salad to balance the flavors. An original idea would be to place them on a platter with lemon slices and a few sprigs of dill, adding a note of freshness.

Nutritional benefits
These stuffed mushrooms are an excellent source of protein due to the ham and cheese, as well as fiber from the mushrooms. Additionally, mushrooms contain B vitamins, which help support metabolism and cellular health. However, you should keep in mind the amount of oil used for frying, which can significantly increase the calorie count.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can experiment with shiitake or portobello mushrooms, which have a more intense flavor.

2. How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can bake the mushrooms instead of frying them, achieving just as delicious a result but with far fewer calories.

3. Can I prepare the stuffed mushrooms in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and stuff the mushrooms on the day of serving.

4. What can I substitute for the ham in the recipe?
For a vegetarian option, you can use sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Combining with other recipes
These stuffed breaded mushrooms pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a creamy vegetable soup. Additionally, a bottle of white wine or a craft beer can perfectly complement the meal. You can enjoy the mushrooms alongside a spicy sauce or garlic mayonnaise for a contrast of flavors.

Don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and experiment with the ingredients. Every recipe is an opportunity to explore and leave your personal mark in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!