Mushroom glade

Mushroom Poienita Recipe: A Colorful and Flavorful Delicacy

Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8

The story behind the Mushroom Poienita recipe is one full of tradition and culinary creativity. This salad is a true visual feast, full of vibrant colors and diverse textures, which can become the centerpiece of the table. It is perfect for special occasions, as well as for a family dinner, bringing a touch of elegance to the table.

Ingredients:

- 400 g marinated mushrooms (or 2 small jars of mushrooms)
- Fresh green parsley leaves
- 1 green onion
- 6 medium boiled potatoes
- 4 boiled carrots
- Homemade mayonnaise (1 egg, 1 teaspoon mustard, 100 ml oil)
- 8 pickled cucumbers
- 2 chicken breasts (boiled)
- 1 can of red kidney beans
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing Mushroom Poienita:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by washing the potatoes and carrots well. We will boil them with their skins to retain nutrients and flavor. Boil the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, and the carrots for about 15-20 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a fork – they should be soft but not overcooked!

Step 2: Boil the chicken breast

In a separate pot, place the chicken breast to boil with water and a pinch of salt. Let it boil for about 20 minutes. When done, remove it and let it cool before cutting it into small cubes.

Step 3: Prepare the mayonnaise

To make delicious mayonnaise, add an egg, a teaspoon of mustard, and a pinch of salt to a bowl. Use a hand mixer or blender to emulsify the oil, adding it gradually until you achieve a creamy consistency. Homemade mayonnaise will add a fresh and authentic taste to the recipe.

Step 4: Chop the ingredients

The pickled cucumbers, marinated mushrooms, green onion, and fresh parsley are finely chopped. The boiled carrots and potatoes can be grated or diced, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Assemble the Poienita

Place a piece of plastic wrap in a pot (or a deep salad bowl) to facilitate flipping later. Start with a layer of mushrooms, cap side down, followed by the chopped parsley and green onion. Then add a layer of grated potatoes and a bit of mayonnaise.

Continue with a layer of cucumbers, grated carrots, and kidney beans. Add more mayonnaise, followed by the diced chicken breast. Repeat the process until you finish the ingredients, ensuring that the last layer is of potatoes.

Step 6: Chill

Cover the pot with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours. This step is crucial for the flavors to integrate perfectly and for the salad to achieve an optimal texture.

Step 7: Serve

After it has chilled, invert the Mushroom Poienita onto a large platter. You can decorate with fresh parsley leaves for a festive look. This salad is delicious both cold and at room temperature, and pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink or a glass of white wine.

Practical tips:

1. Use fresh or canned mushrooms, depending on your preferences. Mushrooms add a unique flavor to the recipe, and marinated ones provide a pleasant contrast to the sweeter ingredients.
2. If you want a lighter version, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which will reduce calories and add a note of freshness.
3. Instead of chicken breast, you can use turkey meat or even canned tuna to change the flavor profile of the recipe.
4. Choose rosé or yellow potatoes, which have a finer texture and better taste.

Nutritional benefits:

Mushroom Poienita is a balanced meal, rich in protein from the chicken breast, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and fiber from the beans. It is an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or dinner, averaging 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or even olives to add extra flavor.

2. How long can Mushroom Poienita be kept in the fridge?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it is best consumed within the first 2 days.

3. What other recipes can Mushroom Poienita be combined with?
This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, fish, or even a simple slice of homemade bread. You can also serve it alongside a green salad with lemon dressing.

4. Can I make Mushroom Poienita in advance?
Absolutely! It is a perfect recipe to prepare a day ahead, allowing the flavors to develop.

Enjoy cooking and every bite full of flavor! Mushroom Poienita is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that can bring family and friends together around the table. Experiment, adapt, and transform this recipe into your masterpiece!