Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms are a culinary delight that transforms simple white mushrooms into a rich, aromatic side dish or appetizer. This recipe elevates humble mushrooms through a clever roasting and marinating technique, creating a versatile ingredient that can enhance countless meals with its deep, complex flavor profile.
Ingredients
For Roasted Mushrooms
- 700g (1.4 lb) small whole white mushrooms or halved larger mushrooms
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves with skin, smashed
For Balsamic Marinade
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare for Roasting
- Preheat oven to 200°C/375°F (180°C fan)
- Select a roasting pan large enough to hold mushrooms in a single layer
- Wash and prepare mushrooms, halving larger ones if necessary
- Season and Roast Mushrooms
- Place mushrooms in roasting pan
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme
- Add minced and smashed garlic
- Toss thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly
- Roast for 35 minutes
- At 20-minute mark, remove and toss mushrooms
- Continue roasting until mushrooms are golden brown and soft
- Marinate
- Immediately transfer hot mushrooms to a mixing bowl
- Include all roasting pan juices
- Add balsamic vinegar and additional olive oil
- Toss well to coat completely
- Let cool at room temperature
- Marinating Options
- For quick use: Marinate 2 hours at room temperature
- For deeper flavor: Cover and refrigerate overnight
- Toss occasionally during marinating process
Serving Suggestions
- Grazing board appetizer
- Side dish for main courses
- Topping for polenta or mashed potatoes
- Spread on toast with goat cheese
- Accompaniment to fried eggs
- Topping for risotto or orzo
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2-24 hours
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for best results
- Fresh thyme provides superior flavor to dried
- Mushrooms will shrink 25-30% during roasting
- Always serve at room temperature for maximum flavor
- Reserve marinating liquid as a delicious dressing or sauce
Enjoy these delectable Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms – a simple yet sophisticated dish that brings gourmet flavor to your table!