Dried and preserved mushrooms

Mushroom Preservation Recipe: A Wealth of Nature in a Jar

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Drying time: 2 hours (or 1.5 hours for the oil variant)
Total time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Depends on the amount of mushrooms, but one recipe can preserve about 500 g of mushrooms

Introduction:
Every autumn, forests become a true paradise for nature lovers, especially for mushroom enthusiasts. Porcini mushrooms, with their intense aroma and meaty texture, are an exceptionally versatile ingredient, perfect for adding depth to any dish. This mushroom preservation recipe is an excellent way to keep this forest delicacy for the chilly winter days. You will learn how to dry them, preserve them in olive oil, and turn them into aromatic powder, ready to enhance your dishes.

Necessary ingredients:
- Fresh porcini mushrooms (approximately 500 g)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 peppercorns
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 1-2 dried chili peppers (optional, for added flavor)

A bit of history:
Porcini mushrooms have been appreciated for centuries for their unique taste and nutritional benefits. These mushrooms are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy food choice. Their preservation is a traditional practice that allows the natural flavors and nutrients to be retained, a method used by generations.

Step by step: Preparing the mushrooms

1. Picking the mushrooms:
Start by preparing for a walk in the forest. Make sure you have a wicker basket and a sharp knife. Look for young mushrooms without signs of damage. Cut off the dirty stem and place each clean specimen in the basket.

2. Cleaning:
Once home, use a soft-bristled brush to carefully remove any dirt. Avoid washing them under running water, as this can affect the drying time.

3. Slicing:
Place the mushrooms on a kitchen towel to dry gently. Using a sharp knife, slice the mushrooms thinly. The thinner they are, the easier and more evenly they will dry.

4. Oven drying:
Preheat the oven to 100 degrees Celsius. Arrange the slices of mushrooms on trays lined with baking paper, making sure they do not overlap. Place the trays in the oven and let the mushrooms dry for about 2 hours, or until they become crispy and resemble paper.

5. Cooling and storing:
Once the mushrooms are sufficiently dried, let them cool on a tray for a day. Then, you can grind them in a blender to obtain a fine powder, perfect for flavoring your dishes. Store the powder in an airtight jar.

6. Preserving in oil:
Those who prefer to keep the mushrooms whole can opt for oil preservation. Place the dried mushrooms in a sterilized jar, add a few cloves of garlic, peppercorns, and dried chili peppers. Fill the jar with olive oil, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Seal the jar and boil it in a pot of water for 20-30 minutes. Let it cool before storing it in the pantry.

Practical tips:
- Ensure that the mushrooms are completely dried before storing them; otherwise, they risk spoiling.
- If you do not have time to dry them in the oven, you can use a food dehydrator, which will shorten the drying time.
- Label the jars with the preparation date to know when to consume them.
- Dried mushrooms can be used in soups, sauces, or risottos to add a rustic and deep flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen mushrooms instead of dried ones?
It is not recommended, as the texture and flavor can change significantly. Drying preserves the natural taste better.

- How can I use dried mushrooms in recipes?
Before using them, soak them in a bowl of hot water for 20 minutes to rehydrate. The water they were soaked in can be used to add extra flavor to your dishes.

- What is the best way to serve preserved mushrooms?
Preserved mushrooms can be added to pasta, risotto, or used as a filling for pies. Finish with a few fresh herbs for an even more intense flavor.

Conclusion:
Mushroom preservation is not just a way to keep their flavor; it is also a fulfilling activity that connects you with nature. Whether you choose to dry them, preserve them in olive oil, or grind them, you will bring a piece of the forest's bounty directly into your kitchen. So, embrace this tradition and enjoy the unique aroma of mushrooms throughout the year!