Mushroom stew

Mushroom Ciulama – Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Mushroom ciulama is a traditional Romanian dish, easy to prepare and full of flavor. This quick recipe will transform a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Additionally, it can be served with polenta, bringing a perfect contrast of textures and aromas. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 600 g canned mushrooms (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 300 g sour cream
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon of seasoning (or another preferred flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (enough to cover the mushrooms)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion. If using fresh mushrooms, clean them and slice them thinly. If opting for canned mushrooms, drain the juice and rinse them quickly under cold water.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step is essential, as sautéed onion adds a deep flavor to the ciulama.

3. Adding the mushrooms: Once the onion is ready, add the sliced mushrooms. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Then, add water until the mushrooms are completely covered. Let them simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, until the liquid reduces slightly.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour, ensuring there are no lumps. This will give the sauce a creamy texture. After the mushrooms have cooked, add the sour cream and flour mixture to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Finishing the ciulama: After the sauce has thickened, add the crushed garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and seasoning to taste. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat.

Serving: Mushroom ciulama is served hot, alongside polenta. You can add a sprig of fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a spicier ciulama, you can add half a chopped chili pepper along with the onion.
- This recipe can also be adapted with other types of mushrooms, such as champignon or porcini, for an even more intense flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, make sure the sour cream is free from animal-derived ingredients.

With these simple and detailed instructions, you will achieve a delicious mushroom ciulama, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!