Portobello burger

The Portobello burger is an excellent choice for those looking for a vegetarian alternative to the classic hamburger. In Italy, we can add a Mediterranean twist to the recipe by using typical ingredients from our cuisine. Here is the recipe with an Italian variation:

Ingredients

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms, cleaned
• 4 hamburger buns, preferably whole grain or with seeds
• 4 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 1 ripe tomato, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of Genoese pesto
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Dried oregano (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the Portobello mushrooms with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano to add an extra Italian touch.
3. Grill the Portobello mushrooms for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they are tender and well-marked by the grill.
4. In the last minutes of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each mushroom to let it melt slightly.
5. In the meantime, lightly toast the buns on the grill or in a pan to make them crispy on the outside.
6. Spread a little Genoese pesto on the bottom of each toasted bun.
7. Build your burger starting with a lettuce leaf on the bread, followed by a tomato slice and the sliced onion.
8. Place the Portobello mushroom with the cheese on the vegetables, then close with the other half of the bun.

Curiosity

Did you know that the Portobello is simply a mature cremini mushroom? This allows it to develop a meatier texture and more intense flavor, making it a popular choice for vegetarian burgers.

To turn this dish into an even more Italian culinary experience, consider pairing it with a beautiful glass of Chianti, a Tuscan wine that complements the rich and grilled flavors of the Portobello mushroom well. Enjoy your meal!