Spiced Garlic Mushrooms (Sarmisakli Mantar)

Spiced Garlic Mushrooms (Sarmisakli Mantar) Recipe from Turkey

Region / culture: Turkey | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spiced Garlic Mushrooms (Sarmisakli Mantar)

Spiced Garlic Mushrooms, also known as Sarmisakli Mantar in Turkish, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect as a side dish or appetizer. The combination of garlic, herbs, and mushrooms creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe has its roots in Turkish cuisine, where mushrooms are a popular ingredient in many dishes. The addition of garlic and spices adds a unique twist to this classic dish, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 bay leaf
0.25 tsp ground coriander
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano or 0.5 tsp dried
1 cup dry white wine or water
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
1.25 lb (567 g) small button mushrooms
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic, bay leaf, coriander, and oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
Stir in wine or water and bring to a boil. Add mushrooms, parsley, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
Remove the pan from heat and, using a slotted spoon, transfer the mushrooms to a serving dish.
Return the skillet to heat and bring the juices to a boil. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
Discard the bay leaf and pour the liquid over the mushrooms. Cover and set aside to cool.
If not serving right away, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

Variations

Add a splash of white wine for a more complex flavor.
Substitute the button mushrooms with cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use small button mushrooms for this recipe, as they will absorb the flavors better.

- Be careful not to overcook the mushrooms, as they can become mushy.

- Adjust the amount of garlic and spices according to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spiced Garlic Mushrooms as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

- Pair it with a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Saute the garlic and spices over low heat to prevent burning.

- Cover the skillet while cooking the mushrooms to help them cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dried herbs instead of fresh if fresh herbs are not available.

- Substitute lemon juice with white wine vinegar for a tangy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Spiced Garlic Mushrooms ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Spiced Garlic Mushrooms with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the mushrooms in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 9g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 7g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% DV

- Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and mushrooms, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy option for those looking to watch their calorie intake.

Summary

Spiced Garlic Mushrooms is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Spiced Garlic Mushrooms, or as we call it in Turkish, Sarmisakli Mantar. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the local farmers market to see what fresh produce I could find. As I walked through the bustling market, the scent of fresh herbs and spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation of the delicious meals I could create with these ingredients.

I made my way to the mushroom stand, where I was greeted by a friendly elderly woman who was selling a variety of mushrooms. As I browsed through the different types of mushrooms, my eyes landed on a basket of plump, earthy-looking mushrooms that were calling out to me. I struck up a conversation with the woman, who told me that these mushrooms were a special variety known for their meaty texture and rich flavor.

Intrigued, I asked her if she had any recipes for these mushrooms, and she smiled warmly before reaching under her stall to retrieve a faded, yellowed piece of paper. She handed it to me, explaining that it was a recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. The recipe was for Spiced Garlic Mushrooms, a dish that her grandmother used to make for special occasions.

Excited to try something new, I thanked the woman and headed back home with a bag of the mushrooms and the recipe in hand. As I prepped the ingredients, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The recipe called for simple ingredients like mushrooms, garlic, olive oil, and spices, but I could sense the love and tradition that went into creating this dish.

I chopped the mushrooms into thick slices and minced the garlic, savoring the pungent aroma that filled the kitchen. I heated up a skillet and added a generous drizzle of olive oil before tossing in the mushrooms and garlic. The mushrooms sizzled and released their juices, creating a mouthwatering scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

I sprinkled in a blend of spices that the recipe called for – cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes – and watched as the mushrooms soaked up the flavors, turning a deep, golden brown. The kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting scent of roasted garlic and spices, making me feel like I was back in my grandmother's kitchen, learning how to cook for the first time.

As I took my first bite of the Spiced Garlic Mushrooms, I was transported back to my childhood, to the days when my grandmother would teach me how to cook traditional Turkish dishes. The mushrooms were tender and flavorful, with a spicy kick from the red pepper flakes and a subtle smokiness from the cumin. I couldn't help but smile as I savored each bite, knowing that I had discovered a new favorite recipe that would soon become a staple in my own kitchen.

From that day on, Spiced Garlic Mushrooms became a beloved dish in my household, a recipe that I would make for family gatherings and dinner parties with friends. Every time I cooked this dish, I would think back to that warm summer day at the farmers market, and the kind woman who had shared her family recipe with me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories and stories behind each recipe in my collection, I am grateful for the moments of connection and joy that food has brought into my life. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage, to honor the traditions and flavors that have been passed down through generations.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I will always hold onto the stories and memories that make each dish special. For me, Spiced Garlic Mushrooms will forever be a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to share stories and traditions, and to create moments of joy and connection that will last a lifetime.