Summers are for grilling, and the one thing that I will miss is the taste of a big juicy steak hot off the grill. I rarely eat red meat but enjoying a tasty piece of steak on a late summer afternoon is ritual for me. Sadly, I won’t be partaking in that pastime this year but that doesn’t mean I will be missing out on anything. I’m substituting something better and healthier for my steak cravings.
What can fill this gaping hole? Portobello mushrooms. Chewy and versatile, Portobello mushrooms are a welcome alternative to meat. Not only can they be eaten fresh off the grill, they also work well in burgers and kebabs. If a mushroom burger doesn’t entice you, think about the nutritional and health benefits. Karen Solomon of Yoga Journal states, “They are rich in vitamin B complex and antioxidants. And many of the 2,500 varieties in cultivation have natural antibiotic, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory effects. Both cooked and raw mushrooms are an excellent source of ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps the body’s cells combat free-radical damage. Pound for pound, white button mushrooms have 12 times as much of this antioxidant as wheat germ (previously considered the food with the highest level), while oyster, maitake, and shiitake mushrooms have even more.” I don’t know about you but mushrooms are sounding like some kind of wonder food.
While I am waiting to see fresh mushrooms at my farmers market, here are some recipes that I’ve bookmarked for future use. Try them out and let me know how it goes. Or if you have your own recipe, post it in the comments section. I’m dying to hear about your mushroom adventures.
Mushroom recipes:
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