Stuffed mushrooms with chicken and ham

Stuffed mushrooms with chicken and ham: a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a savory meal full of flavors and textures? Stuffed mushrooms with chicken and ham are a perfect choice, whether you're making them for a family dinner or looking to impress guests. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, giving you the opportunity to put your personal touch with various variations.

The history of stuffed mushrooms is one filled with culinary creativity, being an ingenious way to use leftover ingredients and transform a simple dish into a gourmet experience. So, let's get started!

Ingredients needed:

- 500 g large champignon mushrooms
- 100 g cold cooked chicken (or boiled chicken breast)
- 100 g thinly sliced ham
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch of green onions (or 1 regular onion)
- 1 small carrot, diced
- a few diced bell peppers
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- salt, pepper to taste
- 1 mushroom stock cube
- a few black olives
- dill or parsley for garnish
- 3-4 tomatoes (for decoration and optional filling)

Step by step: Preparing the recipe

1. Preparing the mushrooms: Start by washing the mushrooms in hot water. This step not only cleans them but also helps remove impurities. Once ready, detach the mushroom stems and chop them finely. Place the mushroom caps on a plate and sprinkle a little salt and pepper to season them.

2. Preparing the filling: In a pan, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped stems along with the onion (chopped finely) and diced carrot. You can also add the bell pepper for extra flavor. Sauté the ingredients over medium heat until they become soft and fragrant. Then, add the finely chopped chicken and the mushroom stock cube. Mix well and let it cook for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.

3. The final mixture: Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add the egg and, if necessary, the breadcrumbs to achieve a thicker consistency. Taste the mixture and, if needed, add salt and pepper.

4. Filling the mushrooms: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with a little oil and place a slice of tomato for each mushroom cap. Fill each cap with the prepared filling, being careful not to overfill them, as they will shrink in volume during baking. If you have leftover filling, you can also fill some halved tomatoes.

5. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the mushrooms bake for 20-25 minutes. After this time, you can add a slice of ham on each mushroom, lightly scored, for extra flavor. Leave them in the oven for another 10 minutes until the ham becomes slightly crispy.

6. Serving: Once the mushrooms are cooked and the flavors have intensified, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with olives, pickles, or lemon slices and sprinkle fresh herbs on top for a vibrant look.

Serving suggestions: These stuffed mushrooms can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish, alongside a fresh green salad or mashed potatoes. Additionally, a béchamel sauce with melted cheese and herbs would add a creamy and delicious note.

Nutritional benefits: Mushrooms are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a healthy diet. Chicken provides quality protein, while herbs add antioxidants and essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can replace chicken with turkey or even ground pork, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the recipe vegetarian?
You can skip the meat and use feta cheese or ricotta mixed with vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.

3. What other spices can I add?
Chopped garlic, paprika, or herbs like oregano and basil can enhance the flavor of the recipe.

4. Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just fill the mushrooms and bake them before serving.

5. What are the best side dishes for this dish?
A fresh green salad with lemon dressing or gratin potatoes are excellent options to complement the stuffed mushrooms.

In conclusion, stuffed mushrooms with chicken and ham are a simple yet flavorful recipe that can easily be adapted to everyone's preferences. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and put your personal touch on this delicious recipe. Enjoy your meal!