Mushroom stew

Mushroom Ciulama: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

I invite you to prepare a meal that combines simplicity with authentic flavor – mushroom ciulama! This dish is not only an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, but also a way to enjoy the natural flavors of mushrooms. In the following, I will provide you with a detailed recipe, full of useful tips and stories to inspire you.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g mushrooms (choose fresh mushrooms, such as champignon or pleurotus)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil, if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon flour (white or whole wheat, depending on your preference)
- 1 bunch of green garlic (or 2 cloves of garlic, if you don’t have green garlic on hand)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 500 ml vegetable broth (preferably homemade, but you can use a broth cube for speed)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the mushrooms, slicing them thinly for even cooking. Make sure to choose fresh mushrooms, as they will add a special flavor and texture to your ciulama. Peel and finely chop the onion. If using green garlic, chop it into small pieces. If you prefer regular garlic, crush or finely chop it.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Cook the onion until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. This step will bring out the natural sweetness of the onion in the dish.

3. Adding the mushrooms: Now it’s time to add the sliced mushrooms. Stir well and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms become soft and release their juices, about 10-15 minutes. It’s important to let the mushrooms reduce all their water, so the dish will have a perfect consistency.

4. Including the garlic and flour: Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped garlic and flour. Mix everything to combine the ingredients. The flour will help thicken the sauce and provide a pleasant taste. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

5. Adding the vegetable broth: Now, gradually pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors combine.

6. Finishing with greens: Before serving, finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the skillet. Gently stir to incorporate it into the ciulama. This final touch will add a color contrast and fresh flavor to the dish.

7. Serving: Mushroom ciulama is served hot, alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy polenta. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends. You can also add some toasted bread croutons for extra texture.

Personal notes and variations:
This classic mushroom ciulama recipe can be adapted according to your preferences. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to enrich the taste. Additionally, you can replace the mushrooms with other types, such as shiitake or porcini, for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Mushrooms are an excellent source of plant-based proteins, vitamins, and minerals, being low in calories. This ciulama is a healthy option, full of nutrients, that can fit perfectly into a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen mushrooms? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the recipe.
2. How can I make this dish vegan? You can omit the flour and replace it with cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Also, ensure you use a vegetable broth without animal-derived ingredients.
3. What other dishes pair well with mushroom ciulama? You can serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad or with a side of rice.

Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to explore new flavors and combinations. So embrace the process and enjoy every step of making this delicious mushroom ciulama!