Mushroom stew

Mushroom Ciulama – A classic recipe that brings comfort and warmth

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Mushroom ciulama is a dish that evokes family memories, meals around the table, and moments of joy. This savory recipe, full of flavors and textures, is perfect for cool days or when you want to treat your family to a comforting meal. It is a simple recipe but with a special taste, easy to make even for those just starting in the kitchen.

Ingredients needed for mushroom ciulama:

- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium potato
- 500 grams of fresh mushrooms (champignon or other seasonal varieties)
- 200 ml of cream (for cooking or sour cream)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower oil or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the ingredients:

Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Choose fresh and firm mushrooms, as they will add an intense flavor to your dish. The onion should be as fresh as possible, and the potato should be medium-sized for even cooking. The cream can be chosen according to preferences – a richer cream will bring a fuller flavor, while a lighter one will make the dish a bit healthier.

Step by step – Cooking the mushroom ciulama:

1. Boil the potato: Place the peeled and cubed potato in a pot of water with a pinch of salt. Boil for about 15-20 minutes or until soft. Once cooked, drain and let it cool slightly before mashing.

2. Sauté the onion: While the potato is boiling, peel and finely chop the onion. In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté until golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. When the onion is ready, remove it from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the mushrooms: In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms. It is important not to overcrowd the pan so that the mushrooms sauté evenly. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their water and become slightly browned.

4. Mash the potato: In a bowl, mash the boiled potato with a fork or blender until you get a smooth puree. Add the sautéed onion over the potato and mix well.

5. Combine the ingredients: After the mushrooms are cooked, add the potato and onion mixture to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes.

6. Finalize the sauce: Pour the cream over the mixture, stirring continuously to obtain a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, so the flavors combine perfectly.

7. Serve: The mushroom ciulama is ready! Serve it warm, alongside polenta or fresh bread. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top, such as parsley or dill, for added flavor and a pleasing appearance.

Useful tips:
- If you like stronger flavors, you can add sautéed garlic along with the onion.
- A delicious variation is to replace the mushrooms with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- If you want a lower-calorie ciulama, you can reduce the amount of cream or replace it with Greek yogurt.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, D, and minerals like selenium. Potatoes are rich in potassium, and the cream provides healthy fats and proteins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can mushroom ciulama be made vegan?
Yes, you can replace the cream with a nut-based sauce or coconut milk to create a vegan version.

2. What type of mushrooms should I use?
Champignon mushrooms are the most common, but you can experiment with shiitake, porcini, or oyster mushrooms to add a special touch.

3. How can I store mushroom ciulama?
You can store ciulama in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Heat it in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

4. What other dishes can mushroom ciulama be paired with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with polenta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the flavors.

Mushroom ciulama is more than just a dish – it is a culinary experience that brings people together. I invite you to prepare it with love and share this recipe with your loved ones. Whether you serve it at a family meal or as a comforting dinner after a long day, it will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy your meal!