Chanterelle stew with sour cream

Mushroom Stew with Sour Cream

Who doesn't love the enticing smell of mushrooms cooked with patience and love? Today, I invite you to discover my recipe for mushroom stew, a savory dish that, despite its deep roots in culinary traditions, has become a favorite in my home. Since I got married, mushroom stew has become a sought-after dish, even by those who were initially not fans of mushrooms. Cooked with sour cream and a personal touch, this recipe will delight your senses!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500-600 g boiled mushrooms (or seasonal mushrooms like chanterelles)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 egg
- 200 ml high-fat sour cream
- 30 ml oil
- 100 ml water
- 3 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste

Brief history of the recipe:
Mushroom stew is a dish that combines simple and natural ingredients with techniques cooked with love. The use of mushrooms in dishes has been a common practice in many cultures, appreciated not only for their unique taste but also for their nutritional benefits. Mushrooms are known for their intense aroma and pleasant texture, and when combined with sour cream, we get a creamy and comforting stew.

Preparation techniques:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove dirt. If they are large, cut them into larger pieces, but not too small - you want to feel their texture on your plate.
2. The onion: Peel the onion and slice it julienne or chop it finely, depending on your preferences.
3. Heating the oil: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
4. Adding the mushrooms: Add the mushrooms to the skillet and mix well. Let them sauté together with the onion for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices.
5. Boiling: Add the water and let everything simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. It is important for the mixture to boil enough to soften the onion and allow the mushrooms to absorb the flavors.
6. Adding the tomato paste: When the water has almost completely evaporated, add the tomato paste and mix well to homogenize the taste.
7. Thickening with egg and sour cream: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with a fork and add the sour cream. Pour the egg and sour cream mixture over the mushrooms, stirring gently. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, then add the crushed garlic.
8. Final boiling: Let it simmer for a few minutes, about 2-3, then turn off the heat.

Serving and suggestions:
Mushroom stew is perfect to be served with a portion of warm polenta, which will perfectly complement the taste of the mushrooms. You can also add some toasted croutons for extra texture or a few sprigs of freshly chopped parsley for a more vibrant appearance.

Possible variations:
If you can't find mushrooms, don't worry! You can also use other types of mushrooms, such as chanterelles or even a mix of mushrooms. Additionally, for a vegetarian version, you can omit the egg and use a starch-based thickening agent.

Nutritional benefits:
Mushrooms are rich in protein and vitamin D, contributing to bone health and the immune system. Sour cream adds a portion of calcium, while garlic is known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned mushrooms? Yes, but it is recommended to drain and rinse them well before use to avoid an overly salty taste.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using tofu or a plant-based sour cream substitute and omit the egg.
- What wine pairs well with this stew? A dry white wine or a light red wine would perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Cooking is an art, and this mushroom stew with sour cream is a simple and delicious masterpiece. I challenge you to try this recipe and surprise your family with a dish that can easily become part of your culinary traditions! Don't forget to share your impressions and experiment with your favorite ingredients to make this stew a unique recipe for your family. Enjoy your meal!