September is National Mushroom Month! Mushrooms are one of my favorite ingredients because they add an earthy flavor and hearty, meaty texture to any dish. Mushrooms are also high in copper, selenium, vitamin B2 & B3, and pantothenic acid. Mushrooms are one of the only foods with naturally occurring vitamin D, which many of us have trouble getting enough of. Recent research has shown that mushrooms help keep our immune systems.
Here are a few delicious ways to use mushrooms this fall!
Portobello Pizzas
Roast or grill large portobello mushrooms to use as the base for pizza. Top with sauce, low-fat cheese, and your favorite toppings for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack.
Mushroom-Barley Pilaf
This mushroom-barley pilaf is a filling, flavorful side dish or vegetarian main course. You can make the barley alone or serve it inside a roasted winter squash (like acorn or butternut) for a more exciting presentation.
Asian Salmon Packets with Shiitake Mushrooms
This recipe is an entire meal in one little pouch. Simply top any combination of vegetables you like (including shiitake mushrooms) with a piece of salmon, top with an asian-inspired sauce, wrap in a parchment paper packet, and bake.
Happy Mushroom Month!