Lenten food - mushroom stew

Mushroom stew - A quick and delicious fasting recipe

Welcome to the world of healthy and flavorful cooking! Today, I present you with a mushroom stew recipe, perfect for fasting days or for anyone looking for a light and tasty meal. This recipe is not only simple and quick, with a total preparation time of just 15 minutes, but it is also an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or dinner, being rich in nutrients and flavor.

How many servings?
This recipe will yield 2 generous servings, perfect for enjoying with loved ones or even saving for a later meal!

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Benefits of mushrooms
Champignon mushrooms are an excellent choice for a healthy diet. They are rich in vitamin D, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Additionally, mushrooms are low in calories, making them suitable for a balanced diet. And garlic, our star ingredient, not only adds a distinctive flavor but is also an ally for the immune system.

Ingredients
For this delicious stew, you will need:

- 10-12 fresh champignon mushrooms
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- A handful of chopped fresh dill
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

Tips for ingredients:
- Choose fresh mushrooms with a firm appearance and uniform color. Avoid mushrooms with spots or that are soft, as they will not hold up well after cooking.
- Extra virgin olive oil will give a more intense and aromatic flavor, so don’t underestimate it!
- Fresh dill will add an extra touch of freshness and flavor. If you don’t have it, you can try other herbs like parsley or basil.

Preparing the stew

1. Washing the mushrooms:
Start by washing the mushrooms under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. It’s important not to leave them in water for too long, as they can absorb moisture. After washing, peel them if necessary and slice them thinly for even cooking.

2. Preparing the garlic:
Peel the garlic cloves and chop them finely. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can crush them slightly with the knife before chopping.

3. Heating the oil:
In a pan, add the olive oil and let it heat over medium heat. Be careful not to overheat it, as extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point.

4. Sauté the garlic:
Add the chopped garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until it turns golden and releases its aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter.

5. Add the mushrooms:
Immediately after the garlic starts to release its aroma, add the sliced mushrooms. Stir them well to coat with the aromatic oil. Cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and have released their natural juices.

6. Season:
When the mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir again to combine the flavors, then let the dish cook for another 1-2 minutes for everything to blend perfectly.

7. Serve with style:
The mushroom stew is ready! You can serve it warm alongside crispy toasted bread or with a portion of polenta, which will add a delicious contrast.

Variations and suggestions:
- If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can sprinkle some grated parmesan on top before serving.
- You can experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to diversify the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Instead of dill, you can use dried or fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned mushrooms for this recipe?
Although fresh mushrooms are preferable, you can also use canned mushrooms. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before use.

2. Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! Diced carrots or bell peppers can be added to enrich the dish with even more vitamins.

3. How can I store the mushroom stew?
If you have leftovers, you can store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a pan.

This mushroom stew is not only a simple recipe but also a perfect example of fasting food that does not compromise on taste. I hope you enjoyed discovering this recipe and that it will inspire you to try it! Bon appétit!