Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious and versatile appetizer that you can adapt according to your personal tastes. Here is a basic recipe for preparing stuffed mushrooms, with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

• 12 medium-sized champignon mushrooms, with detachable stems
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
• 4 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
• 100 g of sausage, removed from casing
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth or a brush. Detach the stems and hollow out the inside of the caps slightly to create space for the filling. Finely chop the mushroom stems.
2. In a pan, sauté the chopped stems and garlic in extra virgin olive oil until golden. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until well done.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
5. Stuff each mushroom with the prepared mixture, making sure to pack the filling well.
6. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
7. Bake the stuffed mushrooms for about 20 minutes or until the filling appears golden and the mushrooms are cooked through.
8. Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish.

Fun Facts

In Italy, stuffed mushrooms are a classic, especially during holidays or at dinners with guests. You can find different regional variations that include ingredients like local cheeses, other types of meat, or even a vegetarian version with spinach and ricotta. The key is to balance the flavors well and to cook the mushrooms properly so that they remain juicy but are cooked thoroughly.