Shiitake Mushroom Gravy

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Japan

Region / culture: Japan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy is a delicious and savory sauce that can elevate any dish. Made with a combination of dried shiitake mushrooms, button mushrooms, and a flavorful soy sauce base, this gravy is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a juicy steak.

History

Shiitake mushrooms have been used in Asian cuisine for centuries, prized for their rich umami flavor and health benefits. This gravy recipe takes inspiration from traditional Asian cooking techniques, combining the earthy flavors of shiitake mushrooms with the depth of soy sauce to create a truly unique and delicious sauce.

Ingredients

8 small to medium dried shiitake mushrooms, rinsed well
2.25 cups boiling water
2 cups mushroom soaking liquid
2.5 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
0.5 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp dried thyme
2 cups thickly sliced button mushrooms (6.5 oz (184 g))
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.25 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

How to prepare

Place shiitake mushrooms in a medium bowl and add boiling water.
Cover with a small plate.
Set aside for 30 minutes.
Drain the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid.
Remove and discard the stems from the shiitake mushrooms.
Slice the mushrooms into strips and set aside.
Place the mushroom soaking liquid into a measuring cup, adding water if necessary to make 2 cups.
Add soy sauce to the mushroom liquid.
Set aside until ready to use.
In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, about 9 minutes.
Add sugar, thyme, button mushrooms, and reserved shiitakes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the button mushrooms are tender, about 4 minutes.
Add flour and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 2 minutes.
Whisk in the reserved mushroom liquid and cook, stirring continuously, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in parsley and add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Serve hot.

Variations

For a creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. You can also add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the gravy, be sure to brown the onions until they are golden brown. This will add a rich caramelized flavor to the sauce. Additionally, make sure to whisk in the flour slowly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious gravy over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or grilled tofu for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Shiitake Mushroom Gravy is to slowly cook the onions until they are caramelized, and to whisk in the flour gradually to avoid lumps.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried shiitake mushrooms, you can use fresh shiitake mushrooms instead. You can also substitute the button mushrooms with cremini or portobello mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the gravy with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy pairs well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or creamy polenta.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shiitake Mushroom Gravy contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shiitake Mushroom Gravy contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shiitake Mushroom Gravy contains approximately 4 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shiitake Mushroom Gravy contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B6, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy is a nutritious and flavorful sauce that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy is a delicious and versatile sauce that adds depth and flavor to any dish. With its rich umami flavor and nutritious ingredients, this gravy is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling and there was a slight chill in the air. I was strolling through the farmer's market, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling vendors and colorful produce.

As I made my way through the stalls, a lovely elderly woman caught my eye. She had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. I couldn't resist striking up a conversation with her. We chatted about the weather, the autumn harvest, and eventually, we got onto the topic of cooking.

I mentioned to her how much I loved experimenting with new recipes and flavors in the kitchen. Her eyes lit up at this and she leaned in closer, as if she was about to share a secret with me. And she did.

She told me about a recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. A recipe for Shiitake Mushroom Gravy. She described it as rich, savory, and full of umami flavor. I was immediately intrigued.

She went on to explain that the key to making the perfect Shiitake Mushroom Gravy was to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. She told me about how her family would forage for wild shiitake mushrooms in the forest, carefully selecting the plumpest and most flavorful ones. She also shared with me her secret blend of herbs and spices that elevated the gravy to a whole new level.

I was captivated by her story and the passion with which she spoke about her family recipe. I knew that I had to try it for myself. So, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me.

She hesitated for a moment, as if weighing the decision in her mind. And then, with a smile, she agreed. She pulled out a worn, stained piece of paper from her apron pocket and handed it to me. On it was written the recipe for Shiitake Mushroom Gravy, in her elegant cursive handwriting.

I thanked her profusely and promised to treasure the recipe and carry on the tradition of making it with love and care. She nodded, her eyes twinkling with pride, and bid me farewell.

That evening, I rushed home to my kitchen, eager to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients - fresh shiitake mushrooms, garlic, shallots, thyme, and a splash of red wine. I followed the recipe to the letter, simmering the mushrooms in a rich, flavorful broth until they were tender and the gravy had thickened to perfection.

As I took my first taste of the Shiitake Mushroom Gravy, I was transported back to that farmer's market, to the warmth and wisdom of the elderly woman who had shared her family recipe with me. The gravy was everything she had promised - rich, savory, and bursting with flavor.

I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would pass down to future generations. And as I savored each spoonful of the delicious gravy, I felt grateful for the chance encounter that had brought this recipe into my life.

From that day on, Shiitake Mushroom Gravy became a beloved dish in my family. I would make it for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, and special occasions. And with each batch that I cooked, I would think of the lovely elderly woman at the farmer's market, and the joy that her recipe had brought into my life.

And so, as I sit here now, with the aroma of Shiitake Mushroom Gravy wafting through my kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous moment that led me to discover this wonderful recipe. It is a reminder of the power of sharing food, stories, and traditions - a reminder of the magic that can happen when we open ourselves up to new experiences and connections.

And so, I will continue to cook and share this recipe with others, passing on the legacy of Shiitake Mushroom Gravy to those who come after me. For in doing so, I honor the memory of the lovely elderly woman who shared her family recipe with me on that crisp autumn day, and the bond that we forged over a love of cooking and good food.