Easy Baked Mushroom and Leek Risotto Video

Baked Mushroom and Leek Risotto
Preparation Time: 20 mins. Cooking Time: 30 mins.

This is an easy version of the classic Italian recipe. Mild flavoured leeks combine with wonderful woodsy shiitake mushrooms to create a delicious treat. Serve with a green salad or as an accompaniment to veal or chicken.

Ingredients
1 leek
2 tbsp olive oil 30 mL
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 500 mL
1 cup arborio rice 250 mL
1/3 cup dry white wine or broth 75 mL
1/4 tsp salt 1 mL
1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper 0.5 mL
8 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms 250 g
1/4 cup table cream (18%) 50 mL
2 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley 25 mL
1 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved (about 1/3 cup/75mL) 30 g

Method
Cut dark green tops and root off leek; halve lengthways, wash and thinly slice. Heat 1 tbsp(15 mL) oil in a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add leek and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the leeks are soft. Meanwhile, bring the broth to boil in a medium saucepan over high heat or in microwave. Stir rice into the leek mixture; cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir in wine, salt and pepper; cook about 1-2 minutes. Transfer mixture to covered 2 qt (2 L) oven –proof casserole or baking dish. Stir hot broth into rice mixture; cover and bake in 400ºF (200ºC) oven for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, remove stems from mushrooms*. Wipe caps with a damp cloth and slice. Heat remaining1 tbsp (15 mL) oil in same skillet or saucepan over medium- high heat. Add mushrooms, cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until just lightly browned . Set aside and cover to keep warm.

Remove risotto from the oven; stir in cream, mushrooms and parsley. Cover and let stand
for 5 minutes. Spoon into serving bowls and serve immediately garnished with shaved
Parmesan cheese. Makes 2 main course or 4 side servings

*Trimmed stems may be reserved and simmered in broth for soups or stews

Variation: A mixture of shiitake, oyster and crimini mushrooms may be used if desired.
Tip: Arborio rice is a short-grain rice imported form Italy used specially for risotto.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories: 333, Sodium: 731 mg, Protein: 8.7 g, Fat: 12.0 g, Carbohydrates: 45.3 g, Dietary Fibre: 1.6 g

This recipe is an Excellent Source of Protein

posted by Brittany

Get Inspired with Marvellous Mushrooms

Have you had a chance to grab the Spring 2010 issue of Inspired Magazine at your local Sobeys?

Well, you should rush out and grab one because there is a great article in it featuring Liz O’Neil of Highline Mushrooms.

Liz talks about her family farm, how they are pesticide-free, and how they truly believe in the “fresh” philosophy.

Also featured in this issue are some great recipes including a Mushroom & Asparagus Strudel, and this Stir-Fried Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy.

YUM!

So head to the closest Sobeys, Foodland or IGA to snatch up this magazine. Or you can visit the Compliments website and download the easy online version.

posted by Brittany

Free 2010 Mushroom Calendar

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope that you all had a great Holiday, and are starting off the New Year right.

If any of you are like me and enjoy a really good recipe calendar, then you are going to appreciate this…

Mushrooms Canada has a new Free 2010 Calendar available for download! Simply download the PDF, and print off your calendar at home. It’s instant, easy, and filled with great Mushroom recipes.

Download your copy here.

posted by Brittany

Mushrooms Are Great with Beef

Mushrooms and Steak. They go together like… well, mushrooms and steak!

Take a look at this mouthwatering recipe that was sent over to me from the Beef Information Centre.

Glazed Beef Medallions with Mushrooms

This classic combination of steak and mushrooms is ready in minutes. With a little forward thinking, you can use Marinating Medallions and marinate before cooking (see Cook’s Notes).

Ingredients
¾ cup(s) (175 mL) barbecue sauce
2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp (5 mL) crumbled dried rosemary
1½ lb (750 g) assorted mixed mushrooms (such as button, crimini, portabella, shiitake or oyster)
1 sweet onion, cut into wedges
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
1½ lb (750 g) Beef Strip Loin Grilling Medallions (about six), 1 inch (2. 5 cm) thick

Method
1. Combine barbecue sauce, lemon juice, garlic, green onions and rosemary in bowl. Remove 1/4 cup (50 mL) for basting.
2. Cut mushrooms and into large chunks, keeping oyster mushrooms whole. Toss with onion, and salt and pepper to taste. Pan-fry in butter in nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 12 minutes or until slightly caramelized and liquid has evaporated. Stir in remaining barbecue sauce mixture; heat through.
3. Meanwhile, season medallions with salt and pepper to taste. Grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, brushing with reserved sauce occasionally. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve each topped with pan-fried mushrooms.

Cook’s Notes: If using Marinating Medallions, pierce meat all over and marinate in 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the basting sauce for 8 to 12 hours in fridge. Discard sauce used to marinate and grill as above, skipping the basting step.

If you like this simple recipe you might also like these from the Mushrooms Canada Library:
Ginger Beef and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Sautéed Steak with Port Mushroom Sauce
Vietnamese Beef and Mushroom Soup

posted by Brittany

Feature Friday: Fast and Nutritious Back-to-School Meals

Mushroom Stuffed PitaGet your pencils, books and lunches packed, it’s back to school time!

Can you believe that it is almost September! And you know what that brings; the common parent challenge – what to pack in the children’s lunch bags that is fast, delicious and nutritious! A good place to start is fresh fruits and vegetables.

Canada’s Food Guide recommends children ages 4-13 eat 5-6 servings of Fruit & Vegetables a day. One hundred grams (100 g) of fresh mushrooms counts as 1 serving of Fruits & Vegetables. Not only are they low in calories and fat, they also provide vitamins, minerals, fibre and protein, all important in keeping your child going throughout the day.

So when pack your children’s lunch bags for the first day of school, add these fast, tasty and nutritious mushroom snacks:

· Mushroom Dippers
Send along fresh whole or thick sliced mushrooms for dipping instead of crackers or chips. Vary the dip each day for a different flavour.

· Mushroom Pita Pocket
Mix sliced mushrooms with shredded cheese, chopped vegetables of your choice, and low-fat Italian dressing. Seal in a plastic container and send along with half a whole wheat pita. Stuff the pita with mushroom mixture at lunch time for a fast and tasty meal. Get the full recipe here.

· Mushroom Guacamole
In a sealable container, mix finely chopped mushrooms with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of lemon juice, and garlic. Send along with whole wheat tortilla chips or pitas for dipping.

· Mushroom Pizza
Make a mock mushroom pizza with an English muffin, tomato sauce, sliced mushrooms, cheese and pepperoni. Send along in individual containers so that they can assemble the pizza at school. Eat cold, or heat in a microwave until warm.