Mushroom cake

Mushroom Cake - A Delicious and Filling Dish

Total preparation time: 100 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 8

In every kitchen, there is a recipe that quickly becomes everyone's favorite, and the mushroom cake is among them. This dish is not only an excellent choice for a snack or a light lunch, but also a creative way to incorporate vegetables into your daily diet. Mushrooms, rich in nutrients and with an unmistakable umami flavor, transform this recipe into a true delicacy, perfect for any occasion.

The history of the mushroom cake is fascinating; over time, people have found many ways to combine simple ingredients to create flavorful dishes, and this cake is a perfect example of culinary ingenuity.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg fresh mushrooms (I recommend Champignon or Pleurotus for a more intense taste)
- 3 medium red onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 leek (only the green part), thinly sliced
- 1 bunch of celery leaves, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 50 g grated cheese (you can also use Parmesan for a stronger taste)
- 50 g butter (for extra flavor)
- 200 ml cream (preferably fatty for a creamier texture)
- 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the mushrooms: Start by sautéing the onion, garlic, and leek. In a large skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped red onion for 2 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the crushed garlic and sliced leek. These will add a deep and delicious flavor.

2. Adding the mushrooms: Wash the mushrooms and slice them. Add them to the skillet over the onion, garlic, and leek mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release all their water and become soft (about 10-15 minutes).

3. Preparing the baking dish: Meanwhile, prepare the baking dish. Grease it with butter and line it with a spoonful of breadcrumbs so that the cake does not stick.

4. Mixing the ingredients: Once the mushrooms have cooled slightly, add the 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, cream, egg yolks, flour, and chopped greens (celery and parsley) to the skillet and mix well. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

5. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. This step is essential to achieve an airy and fluffy texture for the cake.

6. Finalizing the mixture: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the mushroom mixture using a spatula to keep the air in the composition. This is the key to a soft and fluffy cake.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) and bake for 80 minutes, until a beautiful golden crust forms on top.

8. Testing for doneness: To check if the cake is done, use a skewer. If it comes out clean when inserted in the middle, the cake is ready.

9. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the dish for a few minutes, then turn it out onto a platter with the crust side down. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. It is delicious both warm and cold!

Serving suggestions: This mushroom cake can be served as an appetizer, alongside a fresh seasonal salad, or as part of a varied buffet. It can be accompanied by a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill for an explosion of flavors.

Possible variations: Experiment with different types of mushrooms or add black olives for a more intense flavor. You can also replace the feta cheese with ricotta or feta for a different texture.

Nutritional information: Each serving of mushroom cake contains approximately 250 calories. This dish is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, providing you with a good source of fiber from the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen mushrooms? While it is recommended to use fresh mushrooms for better flavor, frozen mushrooms can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding.
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its fluffy texture.

This mushroom cake is not just a simple and quick recipe, but also a perfect opportunity to experiment in the kitchen and impress friends and family. Enjoy!