Stuffed mushrooms and steamed bread

Stuffed Mushrooms with Couscous and Steamed Bread: A Family Recipe Full of Memories

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Here’s a recipe that will turn an ordinary meal into a memorable one, full of flavor and story. Stuffed mushrooms with couscous are an excellent choice for a special dinner or a savory lunch, and paired with steamed bread, they will create an unforgettable feast.

A Short Story

This recipe was born from a happy accident when my son, Bogdan, came home with some large mushrooms ready to be stuffed. I nostalgically remembered a trip from my youth when I first tasted steamed bread, a dish that impressed me with its fluffy and delicate texture. I decided to combine these two elements, and the result was simply delicious.

Ingredients

- For the mushrooms:
- 1 kg large grilling mushrooms
- 3 green onions
- 1 green garlic stalk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 anchovy fillets (optional)
- 1 cup couscous
- For decoration:
- 3-4 slices of brie or feta cheese
- Arugula leaves

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the Mushrooms:
Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the dirt, but avoid washing them under running water as they can absorb moisture. Carefully cut off the mushroom stems and keep them for the filling.

2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Wash and slice the green onion and garlic. In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning, until they become translucent and fragrant.

3. Adding the Mushroom Stems:
Finely chop the mushroom stems and add them to the skillet. Continue to sauté the mixture, stirring well to combine the flavors.

4. Preparing the Filling:
Chop the anchovy fillets into small pieces (if you choose to use them) and add them to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, mixing everything well. Cook the couscous according to the package instructions, then add it to the skillet. Mix everything well so that the couscous absorbs the flavors of the vegetables.

5. Stuffing the Mushrooms:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Fill the mushroom caps with the previously prepared mixture and place them in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. On top of each mushroom, place a slice of brie or feta cheese.

6. Baking:
Place the dish in the oven and bake the mushrooms for 30-40 minutes until golden and the cheese melts.

7. Preparing the Steamed Bread:
Once the mushrooms are almost ready, prepare the steamed bread according to the package instructions. This will be a perfect accompaniment to the stuffed mushrooms.

8. Serving:
Serve the stuffed mushrooms alongside the steamed bread, garnishing the plate with arugula leaves for an extra touch of freshness and color. You can add thick yogurt or sour cream on top of the warm mushrooms for an even richer taste.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Mushrooms: Choose large and firm mushrooms, such as portobello or grilling mushrooms. They are perfect for stuffing.
- Variations: If you don’t like anchovies, you can experiment with pieces of cheese or olives to add a salty flavor.
- Taste and Texture: Steamed bread is an excellent accompaniment. If you can’t find it, you can serve it with fresh bread or a green salad.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This recipe is rich in protein from mushrooms and couscous, while also providing fiber and vitamins from vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can use goat cheese or mozzarella, depending on your preferences.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or herbal tea would be excellent choices.
- How can I store the stuffed mushrooms? If there are leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

This recipe for stuffed mushrooms with couscous and steamed bread will take you back to beautiful moments and family meals, being a dish that combines tradition with innovation. Enjoy your meal!