Cooking with Home Canned Mushrooms

Home canning mushrooms is a fantastic way to preserve their rich flavors and nutritional benefits while saving money compared to store-bought alternatives. For canners new to pressure canning and mushroom enthusiasts, home-canned mushrooms can be a versatile and delicious addition to a variety of meals.

In this article, we’ll explore the health benefits of mushrooms, the different types of cultivated mushrooms, their use as a meat alternative, and provide three fun recipes using canned mushrooms. By the end, you’ll be inspired to incorporate home-canned mushrooms into your cooking and appreciate their versatility.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. They are an excellent source of:

• Vitamins and Minerals: Mushrooms are rich in vitamins B and D, selenium, potassium, and copper, all of which support various bodily functions including immune health, bone health, and energy production.
• Antioxidants: Mushrooms contain antioxidants like ergothioneine and glutathione, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Fiber: High in dietary fiber, mushrooms aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight by promoting feelings of fullness.
• Protein: Although not as high in protein as meat, mushrooms provide a good amount of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.

Varieties of Cultivated Mushrooms

Mushrooms come in many varieties, each with its unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most commonly cultivated mushrooms found in stores:

• White Button Mushrooms: Mild in flavor and versatile, these are the most commonly consumed mushrooms.
• Cremini (Baby Bella) Mushrooms: Slightly more flavorful than white buttons, creminis are great for soups and stews.
• Portobello Mushrooms: These large mushrooms have a meaty texture and are perfect for grilling or roasting.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Known for their rich, umami flavor, shiitakes are excellent in Asian dishes.
• Oyster Mushrooms: With a delicate flavor and velvety texture, oyster mushrooms are great in stir-fries and soups.
• Enoki Mushrooms: These long, thin mushrooms have a mild taste and are often used in salads and hot pots.

Mushrooms as a Meat Alternative for a Vegetarian Lifestyle

Mushrooms, particularly varieties like portobello and shiitake, are popular meat alternatives due to their hearty texture and umami flavor. They can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed to create satisfying vegetarian dishes. Here are some ways mushrooms can be used as a meat substitute:

• Grilled Portobello Burgers: Large portobello caps can be marinated and grilled to make delicious vegetarian burgers.
• Shiitake Stir-Fry: Shiitake mushrooms can replace meat in stir-fries, providing a savory and satisfying meal.
• Mushroom Tacos: Sautéed mushrooms can be used as a filling for tacos, offering a flavorful and nutritious alternative to meat.
  Three Fun Recipes Using Canned Mushrooms

Mushroom Stroganoff

Ingredients

• 1 pint jar of home-canned mushrooms, drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the drained mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable broth and flour until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the mushroom stroganoff over cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pint jar of home-canned mushrooms, including the juices
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups vegetable broth
  1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft.
2. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the mushrooms and their juices. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme.

Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 1 jar of home-canned mushrooms, drained and chopped
• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked quinoa and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the mushroom and spinach mixture and place them in a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking with home-canned mushrooms is not only cost-effective but also offers a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this versatile ingredient. Whether you’re new to pressure canning or a seasoned pro, these recipes will inspire you to make the most of your home-canned mushrooms.

For more recipes and canning tips, check out my upcoming book, Meals in a Jar, which includes a chapter dedicated to vegetarian and meatless meals. Embrace the joy of home canning and discover the endless culinary possibilities that canned mushrooms can bring to your kitchen.

Happy Canning & Cooking!
xo
Diane, The Canning Diva®

 

 

 

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