Stuffed mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms with chicken and vegetables

In a world full of flavors and colors, stuffed mushrooms with chicken and vegetables are a perfect choice for a delicious meal, as well as to impress guests at a special dinner. This dish is versatile, suitable both as a main course and as an appetizer. I propose a simple yet flavorful recipe that will bring a touch of joy and warmth to your table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4 (9 large mushrooms)

Ingredients:
- 9 large mushrooms (preferably champignon or portobello)
- 300 g ground chicken breast
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or sunflower)
- 200 g grated cheese
- 3 medium onions
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 bell pepper (or a sweet pepper)
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Fresh parsley leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A bit of history:
Stuffed mushrooms have been loved over time for their versatility. They can be filled with various ingredients, from meats and cheeses to vegetables and grains. Their origins are hard to pinpoint, but it is certain that this dish has spread rapidly around the world, being adapted according to locally available ingredients.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the mushrooms:
Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the skin off them, avoiding washing them under running water to prevent them from absorbing too much water. Remove the mushroom stems by gently twisting them, keeping them for our filling.

2. Pre-baking:
Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the mushrooms cap-side up, sprinkle a little coarse salt over them, and put them in the preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes. This step will help remove excess water from the mushrooms and intensify their flavor.

3. Preparing the filling:
While the mushrooms are in the oven, finely chop the onion, garlic, and peppers (both sweet and hot). Use a sharp knife to get uniform pieces, which will help with even cooking. Cut the mushroom stems into small cubes.

4. Sauté the vegetables:
In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, letting them sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the chopped peppers and mushroom stems. Cook the mixture for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the meat:
Add the ground chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the water released by the mushrooms has evaporated.

6. Finalizing the filling:
After the mixture has cooled slightly, add the beaten eggs and finely chopped parsley. Mix well, ensuring the eggs are evenly incorporated. Check the taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Fill the mushrooms:
Remove the mushrooms from the oven and, using a spoon, fill each cap with the meat and vegetable mixture. Don’t hesitate to fill them well, but without overflowing, to avoid spills during baking.

8. Finalizing the dish:
Sprinkle grated cheese over each mushroom, and for a splash of color, add a parsley leaf and a pinch of pepper paste (if you want a more vibrant look).

9. Final baking:
Put the tray back in the oven at 180°C for another 30 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and the cheese is melted and golden.

10. Serving:
Stuffed mushrooms are delicious both warm and cold. I recommend serving them alongside fried potatoes or a fresh green salad to add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips:
- Choose mushrooms of similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- You can replace chicken breast with turkey meat or even a vegetarian option using tofu or chopped vegetables.
- Experiment with spices! Add a bit of cumin or sweet paprika to bring a distinct flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen mushrooms?
I recommend using fresh mushrooms, as the texture and flavor are incomparable. If you use frozen mushrooms, make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

- How can I make the recipe easier?
You can buy pre-ground chicken or use a mix of frozen vegetables for the filling, which will reduce preparation time.

Nutrition:
This stuffed mushroom recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and eggs, and provides a good source of fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

In conclusion, stuffed mushrooms are a versatile and delicious dish that can be adapted to personal tastes. Don't hesitate to experiment and add ingredients you like! Enjoy your meal!