Mushroom dumplings

Mushroom Basquettes – A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you are looking for a simple and quick recipe for a savory appetizer, mushroom basquettes are the perfect choice. This traditional Romanian dish combines the rich flavor of mushrooms with a creamy potato puree, offering you an unforgettable culinary experience. Here’s how to prepare these delicious basquettes step by step.

Ingredients

*For the puree:*
- 500 g potatoes
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese
- 50 g milk
- 30 g butter
- 2-3 tablespoons flour
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Vegeta, optional

*For the filling:*
- 250 g mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 hot pepper, sliced thinly
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preparing the potato puree
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until they become soft. Once done, drain them well and mash them with a potato masher. Add the butter, milk, egg, and grated cheese, mixing well until you achieve a smooth and creamy puree. Finally, incorporate the flour and chopped parsley, adjusting the taste with salt and Vegeta, if desired.

2. Preparing the filling
In a pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and chopped garlic, sautéing until golden and fragrant. Follow with the mushrooms, hot pepper, and tomato, stirring constantly. Let the ingredients cook for 10-15 minutes, until the mushrooms release their water and become tender. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Assembling the basquettes
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. On a baking tray lined with parchment paper, form basquettes from the potato puree using a spoon or your hands, leaving a space in the middle for the filling. Fill each basquette with the mushroom mixture, being careful not to overfill, to prevent them from falling apart during baking.

4. Baking
Bake the basquettes in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy on the surface.

Serving suggestions and variations
These mushroom basquettes are delicious served warm, alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer at a feast. You can also experiment with other fillings, such as spinach and feta cheese or spiced ground meat, to add a personal touch to your recipe.

Useful tips
- Choose fresh mushrooms, preferably champignon or wild mushrooms, for a more intense flavor.
- Ensure that the potato puree is well homogenized to achieve a perfect texture.
- You can add spices such as sweet paprika or marjoram to the filling to enhance the flavors.

Enjoy these mushroom basquettes as part of a comforting dinner or as an appetizer at a party! This simple and quick recipe will surely win the hearts of your loved ones.