Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms with pine nuts and almond flakes - A savory delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a delicious appetizer that brings both flavor and a touch of elegance to the holiday table? Stuffed mushrooms are a perfect choice, combining the meaty texture of the mushrooms with a crunchy and flavorful filling. This recipe for stuffed mushrooms with pine nuts and almond flakes is simple yet extremely refined, instantly becoming the star of your meal. Plus, it is a vegetarian option that will delight even the most discerning palates!

The history of stuffed mushrooms dates back to ancient times when people began experimenting with what nature provided them. These versatile delicacies have evolved, being filled with various ingredients, from meat and cheese to vegetables and grains. In our recipe, we focus on highlighting the flavors of the mushrooms, accompanied by crunchy textures and a fresh taste.

Ingredients:
- 8 large white mushrooms
- 100 g pine nuts
- 75 g almond flakes
- 2 green onions
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Carefully remove the stems and wipe the caps with a damp cloth to eliminate any impurities. The mushroom stems are edible, so don’t throw them away! Chop them finely and keep them for the filling.

2. Chopping the vegetables: In a pan, add the sliced green onions and crushed or finely chopped garlic. These will add a delicious and fresh flavor to your filling.

3. Adding the crunchy ingredients: Chop the pine nuts and almond flakes, then add them to the onion and garlic mixture. These ingredients not only add texture but also a subtle nutty flavor that will blend perfectly with the mushrooms.

4. Seasoning: Add the two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything well, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed. If the filling seems too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs.

5. Stuffing the mushrooms: Place the mushroom caps in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Fill each cap with the prepared mixture, pressing gently to ensure that the filling doesn’t fall apart during baking.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Drizzle a little olive oil over the mushrooms to help them brown nicely. Place the tray in the oven and let them bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the mushrooms are golden and the filling is crispy.

7. Garnishing and serving: After removing the mushrooms from the oven, let them cool slightly before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley. These stuffed mushrooms are perfect to be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer at a festive table.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with other types of nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sesame seeds, to create a filling with different flavors.
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add a bit of feta cheese or parmesan to the filling.
- These stuffed mushrooms can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, and reheating them in the oven will restore their crunchy texture.
- You can pair these stuffed mushrooms with a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, Portobello or button mushrooms work just as well, but make sure to adjust the baking time according to their size.

2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the olive oil with coconut oil or another vegetable oil and omit the Panko breadcrumbs, using regular breadcrumbs or oat flakes instead.

3. What other sides can I add?
A tomato salad with basil and mozzarella or a yogurt sauce with dill are excellent options to add a touch of freshness to your meal.

Nutritional benefits:
Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to a healthy diet. Pine nuts provide a healthy dose of essential fatty acids, while almond flakes offer protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack.

This recipe for stuffed mushrooms with pine nuts and almond flakes is truly an explosion of flavors and textures! I encourage you to try it and customize your filling to your liking. Enjoy your meal!