Grilled Portobello & Poblano Tacos with Cotija Crema

I took the Blenditarian Pledge because this Blend & Extend concept is seriously legit!  I love mushrooms already, but I had no idea how packed with nutrients they are.  There are so many ways you can incorporate them into meals you already make, like tacos!  I made these Beef & Portobello Tacos with Cotija Crema for my first go at the #blendandextend concept.

Recipe and photo by Julie of Dailytiramisu.com.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 12

Ingredients

3 Portobello Mushrooms, finely chopped
500g high quality ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin

12 Small Flour Tortillas

Cotija Crema
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or crème fraiche
1/2 cup finely crumbled cotija or feta cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon ancho or guajillo chili powder, plus more for serving
1 medium clove garlic, finely minced

Other Toppings
Corn
Avocados
Salsa
Sliced radishes
Cilantro

Limes, for a fresh burst right before serving

Method

1. Heat an oiled, large deep skillet to medium high heat and add in the onion. Let them soften, about 2 minutes and then add garlic, paprika, cumin and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the beef and mushrooms to onion mixture and cook until the beef has browned. Salt as needed.
2. Make the Cotija crema: combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, garlic and chili powder in a large bowl. Stir until combined and set aside.
3. Wrap the pile of your flour tortillas in foil paper and warm them in your oven (I warm my tortillas for 6 minutes at 350 degrees F).
4. Create your taco: Add the beef and mushroom mixture to the centre of your tortilla. Add desired toppings. Top with the cotija crema and enjoy!
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Mozzarella Mushroom Blended Burger with Caramelized Onions

There are few burger combinations as classic as mushrooms and mozzarella. Using the Blend and Extend technique, these fresh mozzarella blended mushroom burgers with caramelized onions are a new take on an old favourite.

Recipe and photo by James of From James to Jamie.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

200 g. cremini mushrooms
400 g. extra lean ground beef
½ tsp. salt, dash of pepper
medium yellow onion, halved and sliced
1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil
4 brioche buns
4-8 slices fresh mozzarella
Mayonnaise
BBQ sauce (optional)

Method

1. Blend/pulse your mushrooms until fine in a food processor.
2. Cook the mushrooms on a griddle (or in a large frying pan) over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Set aside to cool.
3. Give the griddle a quick wipe-down, turn it down to low-medium, and toss on your sliced onions along with the butter. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden.
3. While the onions are cooking and once the mushrooms have cooled, combine the mushrooms together with your ground beef in a prep bowl. Stir until well-combined and form into four patties. Place the patties on a plate, cover, and place in the fridge.
4. Once the onions are the right texture and colour, add the balsamic vinegar and cook another two minutes, stirring often. Remove from the griddle and set aside.
5. Wipe down your griddle, turn it back up to medium, then add a small lug of oil and spread it around.
6. Combine together your salt and pepper in a small prep bowl, then sprinkle roughly half of your seasoning on the tops of your burgers. Place the burgers on the griddle with the seasoned side facing down.
7. After about 4 minutes, season the tops of the burgers with the other half of your salt/pepper mix, then flip. Cook an additional 3-5 minutes until no pink remains.
8. Construct your burgers by applying mayo to both sides of your buns, then adding the patties and topping with 1-2 slices of fresh mozzarella and your caramelized onions.
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Lamb Ragout

This one pot ragout is extremely flavourful and an easy weekend meal. Mushrooms blend seamlessly with the ground lamb extending the portion size and boosting the flavour. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Recipe developed in partnership with Ontario Lamb.

Prep Time: 15 mins. | Cook Time: 2.5 hrs. | Serves: 4

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) fresh crimini mushrooms
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper
1 lb (500 g) ground lamb
4 tbsp (60 mL) tomato paste
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
1 tsp (5 mL) nutmeg
1 tsp (5 mL) Italian herbs
1 can (796 mL / 28 oz) whole tomatoes
1/2 cup (125 mL) red wine
1 bay leaf
1 lb. (500g) dried spaghetti
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Method

1. Place mushrooms in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. Heat oil in a large sauce pan over medium-high. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add carrots and celery; sauté until they start to soften, 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté another minute. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add ground lamb and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Add tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Italian herbs. Stir until well combined.
4. Add tomatoes to the pan. Using spatula, break up tomatoes. Add red wine, stir until well combined. Add bay leaf. Lower heat to low, place lid on pot and simmer 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure bottom does not burn.
5. Remove lid and taste sauce; season with salt and pepper as needed. Continue to simmer on low, with the lid removed; sauce will begin to thicken.
6. Meanwhile prepare spaghetti as per package directions. Serve the sauce over the pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley.

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Spaghetti Bolognese

Simple ingredients simmer together to create a robust and satisfying sauce that is even better the next day. 

Prep Time: 15 mins. | Cook Time: 1 hr. | Serves: 6

Ingredients

12 oz (375 g) fresh crimini Mushrooms
1 onion
4 cloves garlic
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
12 oz (375 g) lean ground beef
2 tbsp (30 mL) Worcestershire sauce
1 pkt (5 g) Mushrooms Seasoning Blend
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) red wine
1 can (156 mL) tomato paste
1 bottle (720 mL) strained tomato purée
1 lb (500 g) spaghetti, cooked and drained
1/2 cup (125 mL) torn fresh basil leaves
Parmesan cheese

 

Method

1. Place the mushrooms, onion and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until finely chopped. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large saucepan set over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef. Cook for 5 minutes or until browned. Add the mushroom mixture, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning blend and salt. Cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
2. Stir in the wine; simmer for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes or until dark red. Stir in the tomato puree. Simmer for 45 minutes or until thickened. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce and basil. Serve with Parmesan cheese.Tip: Freeze any leftover sauce in a tight container for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
Calories 453
Sodium 571mg
Protein 25g
Fat 8g
Carbohydrates 66g
Dietary Fibre 8
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Turkey and Mushroom Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps come together quickly for a fresh and light weeknight meal. Serve with toppings of your choice – shredded carrots, bean sprouts, julienne peppers, sliced snow peas, and chopped peanuts are a great start.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Brittany from My Daily Randomness.

Prep Time: 10 mins. | Cook Time: 15 mins.

Ingredients

1 lb. crimini mushrooms, finely diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 red onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, finely diced
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
8-10 large lettuce leaves
Toppings (optional): shredded carrots, bean sprouts, julienne peppers, sliced snow peas, chopped peanuts

Method

1. Finely chop mushrooms in a food processor, or by hand. On medium-high heat sauteed mushrooms in olive oil until they are browned and most of the moisture has been released, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
2. On medium-high heat, add turkey to the pan. Halfway through cooking add the onion and garlic. When turkey is almost cooked through, add the sauteed mushrooms, hoisin sauce, and teriyaki sauce. Continue to cook until turkey is completely cooked,3-5 minutes.
3. Allow meat and mushroom mixture to cool slightly. Spoon mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with desired toppings. Serve with soy sauce if desired.
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