Chanterelle stew

Chanterelle Stew with Sour Cream and Parsley - A Delicacy Cooked with Love

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the culinary universe of chanterelles! These mushrooms, with their delicate flavor and firm texture, are a true treasure of nature. In this recipe, I will show you how to transform them into a creamy stew, perfect to be served alongside polenta or fresh bread. It is a simple yet extremely flavorful recipe that combines the natural aromas of the ingredients with a velvety texture.

A bit of history: Chanterelles have been appreciated for centuries in traditional cuisine, often used in seasonal dishes. This recipe has its roots in the cooking methods of our grandmothers, who knew how to highlight simple yet quality ingredients.

Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g chanterelles
- 1 white onion
- 2 red onions
- 30 ml sunflower oil (or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 400 ml liquid sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves for decoration

Preparing the chanterelle stew:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning and washing the onion well. Chop the white and red onions finely. These will add sweetness and a rich flavor to your stew.

2. Cooking the onions:
In a pot or wok, pour 30 ml of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. I suggest stirring periodically to avoid burning.

3. Preparing the chanterelles:
In the meantime, wash the chanterelles in 4-5 waters to ensure they are clean of sand and impurities. Slice them thinly. Once the onion is sautéed, add the chanterelles to the pan. Mix well and let them sauté together with the onion for about 5-7 minutes until softened.

4. Adding water:
Add a cup of water to the pot, cover it, and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential to allow the chanterelles to reveal their flavors and become tender.

5. Creating the sauce:
After the mushrooms have cooked and the water has reduced, take a cup and dissolve a tablespoon of flour in 400 ml of liquid sour cream. This combination will give a creamy and consistent sauce to your stew. Pour the sour cream mixture into the pot in a thin stream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

6. Finalizing the dish:
Let the stew simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to add the chopped fresh parsley, which will add a touch of freshness and color.

7. Serving:
Serve the chanterelle stew warm, alongside well-cooked polenta or fresh bread. It is a savory main dish, but it can also be successfully served as an appetizer at a more elegant dinner.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the chanterelles are fresh. Buy them from the market or trusted places, as freshness significantly enhances the dish's flavor.
- If you don’t have chanterelles on hand, you can also use other types of mushrooms, such as champignon or porcini, but chanterelles bring a unique flavor.
- You can also add a bit of garlic for an extra flavor boost, sautéed together with the onion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sour cream?
Yes, sour cream can add an interesting note of acidity to the sauce, but make sure to incorporate it gently to avoid curdling.

2. How can I make the stew spicier?
Add a pinch of ground chili pepper or a few slices of fresh chili pepper during the onion sautéing.

3. Can the stew be frozen?
Yes, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to preserve its taste and texture. If you choose to freeze it, make sure to package it well to avoid freezer burn.

Nutritional benefits:
The chanterelle stew is rich in vitamins and minerals. Chanterelles are an excellent source of plant-based proteins, fiber, and antioxidants, while sour cream provides calcium and healthy fats. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a family meal or to impress guests.

Possible variations:
- You can turn this stew into a vegetarian dish by adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- For an extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary.

I encourage you to try this recipe at home and adapt it to your taste. Whether you choose to serve it on a special occasion or simply to treat yourself after a long day, the chanterelle stew will surely add a touch of comfort and warmth to your culinary life. Enjoy your meal!