Mushroom julienne

Mushroom julienne is a delicious and elegant dish featuring mushrooms cooked in a creamy sauce, often served over pasta or as a stand-alone dish. The term "julienne" refers to the way the mushrooms are cut into thin, matchstick-like strips, which gives the dish a refined texture. Here’s a simple recipe to make Mushroom Julienne:

Ingredients:

• For the Mushroom Mixture:

  • 2 cups mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix), sliced into thin strips
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 cup white wine or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mushrooms:

   • Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and slice them into thin julienne strips.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • Add the julienned mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 8-10 minutes.

4. Deglaze and Add Cream:

   • Pour in the white wine or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Finish the Sauce:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme or rosemary. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
   • Serve over pasta, rice, or on its own with a side of crusty bread.

This Mushroom Julienne is versatile and can be customized with different herbs or added ingredients like cooked chicken or spinach. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!