Mushrooms in tomato sauce

Mushrooms in Tomato Sauce - A Simple and Delicious Delight

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Preparing mushrooms in tomato sauce is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a gathering. Mushrooms are versatile ingredients, rich in nutrients and with a natural umami flavor, and the tomato sauce complements them perfectly, providing a touch of freshness and flavor.

The history of this dish goes back in time, with mushrooms being consumed over the centuries, and tomato sauce having deep roots in traditional kitchens. This simple recipe is not only quick to make but also a healthy choice, with only about 150 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used.

Ingredients you will need:

- 1 kg mushrooms (choose fresh mushrooms like champignon or oyster)
- 1 large onion (for a rich taste, choose a yellow onion)
- 1 head of garlic (about 4-5 cloves)
- 200 ml water
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (opt for a quality version without additives)
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil (optional, for sautéing the onion)

Step by step for a perfect recipe:

1. Preparing the mushrooms: Start by washing the mushrooms under cold running water. Use a brush or a damp cloth to remove impurities. Slice or cube them according to your preference. The mushrooms will reduce while cooking, so don’t worry if they seem like a lot at first.

2. Boiling the mushrooms: In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the mushrooms and let them boil for 5-7 minutes. This process will help intensify the flavors and make the mushrooms more tender.

3. Preparing the sauce: In a deep skillet, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step is crucial for developing a rich and sweet onion flavor.

4. Adding the tomato paste: Once the onion is ready, add the diluted tomato paste with 200 ml of water. Stir well to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Adding the mushrooms: Drain the boiled mushrooms and add them to the skillet over the tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat them evenly with the sauce. Add the chopped or crushed garlic and let everything simmer together for another 5-10 minutes. This step will help meld the flavors.

6. Finishing the dish: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt if necessary. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more water. Here you can also add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.

7. Serving: The mushrooms in tomato sauce can be served hot, alongside rice, pasta, or fresh bread. Another delicious option would be to serve them with polenta or on a slice of toasted bread. You can drizzle a little olive oil on top for added flavor.

Tips and variations:

- Experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, for varied flavors.
- You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the texture and nutrition of the dish.
- An interesting variation would be to add some spices like smoked paprika or dried oregano to intensify the sauce's flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use canned mushrooms? Yes, but make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
2. How can I make the recipe spicier? You can add a little fresh chili pepper or chili flakes during the sauce preparation.
3. Is this recipe vegan? Yes, all ingredients are vegan, making this recipe ideal for those following a vegan lifestyle.

Nutrition:

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, and have a low calorie content. The tomato sauce provides vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It’s a perfect meal for those looking to maintain their weight or eat healthily.

Combine these mushrooms in tomato sauce with a fresh green salad and a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a complete and tasty meal. Enjoy!