Toasted Slices Infused with Wild Morel Mushrooms
Spring's Delight: Morel Mushroom Toasts
gotta make these roasted bad boys with fresh herbs and a dollop of creme fraiche, then plopped on some toasted bread for a swanky, yet effortless, appetizer or first course. No buckin' around, ya'll'll need a pastry brush for this recipe.
What ya need:If fresh morel mushrooms ain't on the menu, go ahead and use fresh porcinis or chanterelles instead.
- Serves: 4 unsatisfied stomachs
- Difficulty: Piece of cake, easy peasy
- Time: Approx. 45 mins
Ingredients (13)
- 1 pound of fresh morel mushrooms, or their substitutes
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing on the bread
- 3 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh thyme or savory leaves or a combination
- A pinch of kosher salt
- A generous amount of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots (from about 2 medium shallots)
- 1 tablespoon Cognac
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1/2 medium lemon)
- 1/4 cup creme fraiche
- 4 (1/2-inch-thick) slices country bread, such as pain au levain
How to do it:
- Crank up the oven to 400°F and stick a rack in the middle.
- Chuck out any mushies with mold, trim the stems, and snip away any discolored bits. Soak the mushrooms in several changes of cold water to shake off any grit. Pat 'em dry with paper towels and cut 'em into 1/4-inch pieces, tossing 'em in a large bowl.
- Mix in the oil, garlic, and herbs, and add salt and pepper. Transfer to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and spread 'em out evenly.
- Roast the mushrooms until they're tender, stirrin' halfway through the cooking time, about 20 minutes total. (Towards the end, the morels will release their juices.)
- While the mushrooms cook, melt the butter in a small, non-reactive frying pan over medium heat until it's foamy. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirrin' occasionally, until they're browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and carefully add the Cognac. Return the pan to medium heat and simmer until the alcohol evaporates, about 30 seconds.
- Remove the pan from the heat again, add the vinegar and lemon juice, and stir to combine. Add the creme fraiche, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed; set the pan aside.
- When the mushrooms are ready, remove the baking dish from the oven, mix in the shallot-creme fraiche mixture, and return to the oven to let the flavors melt together, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Set the oven to broil. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet, brush 'em with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and broil until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the toasts to a serving dish and pile on all the mushrooms and sauce. Serve immediately.
Wanna Dig Deeper?
When the sun starts shining, it's tough to find fresh morels. But fret not! There are other mushrooms that can help you achieve the wonderful taste and texture of morel mushroom toast.
Alternatives for Fresh Morels
- Oyster Mushrooms: They have a delicately sweet flavor and a soft texture, making them a great replacement for morels. Oysters cook quickly and have a high moisture content.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Known for their rich, earthy flavor and firm texture, shiitakes can offer a deep umami taste similar to morels.
- Lion's Mane Mushrooms: They have a unique texture similar to meat and can provide a hearty, meaty bite to your dish.
- Cremini or Button Mushrooms: While they lack the distinct flavor of morels, cremini and button mushrooms can still offer a similar texture when heavily seasoned. They're more readily available and often cheaper than morels.
A Few Cooking Tips
- Be mindful of the moisture content and cooking time when substituting. For example, cremini and button mushrooms may need a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher water content.
- To enhance the flavor of your substitute mushrooms, consider adding ingredients like mushroom stock, thyme, or other umami-rich elements to capture the depth of morels.
So go ahead, try these substitutes, and enjoy the essence of morel mushroom toast with ingredients easily found in your kitchen. Happy cookin', y'all!
- For a similar taste without fresh morels, consider using oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, lion's mane mushrooms, or cremini or button mushrooms in this recipe.
- It's essential to credit the original recipe creator when sharing this delightful Morel Mushroom Toast recipe.
- To ensure a successful dish, use a non-reactive pan for sautering the shallots and combine the mushrooms with the shallot-creme fraiche mixture in a non-reactive baking dish before broiling.
- If you enjoy the unique taste of morel mushroom toast, be sure to explore other similar recipes for new culinary experiences, such as those using the suggested alternatives.
- When using a credit line, make sure to properly attribute the recipe to its creator, giving them the proper recognition for their delicious creation.
