Mushroom White Sauce Stew

Mushroom White Sauce Stew Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Mushroom White Sauce Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe features tender mushrooms cooked in a creamy white sauce that is rich and flavorful. Paired with mamaliga, a traditional Romanian cornmeal dish, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Mushroom White Sauce Stew has its roots in Eastern European cuisine, where mushrooms are a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes. This stew is a simple yet delicious way to showcase the earthy flavor of mushrooms, and it has been enjoyed by families for generations.

Ingredients

1.75 lb / 750 g mushrooms
1 tbsp butter or lard
1 tbsp flour
salt
0.5 cup milk

How to prepare

Clean the mushrooms, wash them, cut them, and boil them in salted water (enough water to cover the mushrooms).
Once they are cooked, drain them and reserve the liquid.
In a separate pan, lightly fry the flour in butter. Then, add the reserved liquid, milk, and simmer until the sauce reaches a medium thickness.
Next, add the mushrooms to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve the dish hot with mamaliga.

Variations

Add in some diced onions or garlic for extra flavor.
Stir in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of freshness.
Try using different types of mushrooms for a variety of textures and flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Boiling the mushrooms in salted water helps to enhance their flavor and ensure they are cooked through.

- Simmering the sauce until it reaches a medium thickness will help to ensure a creamy and velvety texture.

- Serve the stew hot with mamaliga for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mushroom White Sauce Stew hot with mamaliga on the side for a complete and traditional meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the mushrooms in salted water to enhance their flavor.

- Simmer the sauce until it reaches a medium thickness for a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of lard for a richer flavor.

- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Mushroom White Sauce Stew in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stew with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

7g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is a good source of vitamin D, potassium, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and gluten (flour).

Summary

This Mushroom White Sauce Stew is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Summary

Mushroom White Sauce Stew is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe features tender mushrooms cooked in a creamy white sauce that is rich and flavorful. Paired with mamaliga, a traditional Romanian cornmeal dish, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious meal with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mushroom White Sauce Stew. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage nestled in the countryside. As we sat by the crackling fire, sipping on hot tea and exchanging stories, Margaret suddenly jumped up with excitement.

"I have a new recipe to share with you, dear friend!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She disappeared into the kitchen, and I could hear the clinking of pots and pans as she rummaged through her collection of cookbooks. Moments later, she emerged with a tattered, stained piece of paper in her hand.

"This recipe has been passed down through my family for generations," Margaret explained, her voice filled with pride. "It's a Mushroom White Sauce Stew that is sure to warm your soul on a cold day like today."

I watched in awe as Margaret began to prepare the stew, effortlessly chopping vegetables, sautéing mushrooms, and whisking together a creamy white sauce. The aroma that filled the cottage was nothing short of heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As we sat down to enjoy the stew, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had in turn learned it from her own mother. The stew had been a staple in their family for as long as anyone could remember, and each generation had added their own twist to it.

Listening to Margaret's tale, I was struck by the power of tradition and the joy that comes from sharing recipes with loved ones. I knew in that moment that I wanted to recreate this Mushroom White Sauce Stew in my own kitchen and pass it down to future generations.

Over the years, I have made the stew countless times, tweaking the ingredients and methods to suit my own taste. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, always adding a little note of history and sentimentality to each rendition.

One particular memory stands out in my mind when it comes to the Mushroom White Sauce Stew. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and my grandchildren had come over for a visit. As they played in the living room, I busied myself in the kitchen, preparing a pot of the stew that had become a family favorite.

As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the house with its delicious aroma, my grandchildren wandered into the kitchen, their eyes wide with curiosity. They watched in fascination as I chopped vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, and whisked together the creamy white sauce.

"Can we help, Grandma?" they asked eagerly, their faces alight with excitement.

I smiled at their enthusiasm and handed them each a task. One stirred the pot, another grated cheese, and the youngest placed fresh herbs on top for garnish. Together, we created a meal that was not only delicious but also a testament to the bonds of family and tradition.

As we sat down to eat, my grandchildren eagerly spooned the stew into their bowls, their eyes shining with anticipation. I watched with pride as they took their first bites, their faces lighting up with delight.

"This is the best stew ever, Grandma!" they exclaimed in unison, their mouths full of food.

I chuckled at their enthusiasm and felt a warm sense of satisfaction wash over me. In that moment, I knew that the recipe for Mushroom White Sauce Stew had truly become a part of our family's story, a thread that connected us across generations and brought us together in the simple joy of a shared meal.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the many recipes I have learned and shared over the years, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have shaped my life. The Mushroom White Sauce Stew will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.