Transylvanian stew with mushrooms and sour cream

Transylvanian stew with mushrooms and sour cream is a dish that evokes the loving meals of childhood. Here is a recipe that carries my grandmother's signature, full of flavors and tradition, ideal for moments when you want to indulge yourself or impress your guests. This stew is not only tasty but also very versatile – you can use various types of mushrooms and adapt it to your preferences. Here’s how to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 1 kg of champignon mushrooms (or forest mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, etc. for a more intense flavor)
- 1 medium onion
- 150 ml sour cream (preferably thick, country-style)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- A pinch of pepper
- 4-5 tablespoons of oil
- Salt, to taste

Recipe story
Transylvanian mushroom stew is a dish that has been enjoyed for generations, bringing families together around the table. Its origins are deeply rooted in culinary traditions, where each ingredient is carefully selected, and cooking becomes an art. Mushrooms, once considered peasant food, have transformed into the stars of today’s dishes, offering a unique taste and many nutritional benefits.

Nutritional benefits
Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, vitamin D, and essential minerals like potassium and selenium. They are also low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet. The sour cream adds a note of creaminess without compromising the healthy character of the dish.

Cooking technique
1. Preparing the ingredients
- Start by cleaning the onion. Wash it well and chop it finely.
- Clean the mushrooms by removing the skin and breaking off the stems. Rinse them under cold water, then slice them. If the caps are large, cut them in half first, then slice.
- Peel, wash, and finely chop the garlic.
- Wash the dill and parsley, chop them finely, and set aside.

2. Cooking
- In a large skillet or pot, add the oil and let it heat well.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become translucent.
- Then, add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of pepper. Gently stir to allow them to sauté. It’s important to cook the mushrooms on low heat to preserve their juiciness and flavor, even if it takes a little longer.

3. Adding water and flour
- When the mushrooms start to darken, add water until they are just covered. Don’t worry if it seems like too much water; it will reduce during cooking.
- Avoid adding salt at the beginning, as it will make the mushrooms release more water. Adjust the salt at the end.
- When the mixture starts to boil, add the chopped dill.

4. Thickening the sauce
- In a cup, place 2 heaping tablespoons of flour and add water until two-thirds full. Mix well to obtain a smooth paste.
- Add this mixture to the skillet, stirring gently not to break the mushrooms. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 35 minutes, until the mushrooms are cooked.

5. Finishing the dish
- When the mushrooms are ready, add the sour cream and stir gently. Let the stew simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the salt and, if desired, add pepper at the end. Add the chopped parsley and stir again.

Serving
Transylvanian stew with mushrooms and sour cream is served hot, ideally alongside creamy polenta. The rich aroma and velvety texture of the sour cream sauce will perfectly complement the polenta, creating a truly comforting dish.

Possible variations
- Instead of champignon mushrooms, you can experiment with forest mushrooms for a more intense flavor.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or peppers, to diversify the textures and flavors.
- If you want a spicy note, you can add some finely chopped hot peppers.

Accompaniment suggestions
For a complete meal, prepare a green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers or a cabbage salad for a crunchy contrast. A glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement this dish, adding an extra touch of elegance to your table.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen mushrooms?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the stew.

- How can I make the stew spicier?
Add hot peppers or paprika during cooking, to taste.

- What other recipes can the stew be paired with?
This stew pairs very well with polenta, but also with mashed potatoes or rice.

So, get ready to indulge in a serving of this delicious stew, which will not only warm your heart but also bring back pleasant childhood memories. Savor every bite and enjoy the authentic flavors!