Mushroom casserole

Here's a detailed recipe for a delicious mushroom casserole. This dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for any occasion!

Mushroom Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• Fresh mushrooms: 500g (about 1 lb) (button, cremini, or a mix), sliced
• Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
• Vegetable broth: 1 cup
• Heavy cream or plant-based cream: 1 cup
• Rice or pasta: 1 cup (uncooked, choose your favorite)
• Cheese: 1 cup (grated; optional, use cheddar, mozzarella, or a vegan alternative)
• Olive oil or butter: 2 tablespoons
• Fresh herbs: 1 tablespoon (thyme, parsley, or rosemary), chopped
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste
• Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup (optional, for topping)

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice (or pasta), vegetable broth, and heavy cream (or plant-based cream). Mix well.
   • Add the sautéed mushroom mixture to the bowl and stir until combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle half of it on top of the mixture.
   • If you like a crunchy topping, mix the bread crumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle over the casserole. Add the remaining cheese on top.

5. Bake:

   • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil (to prevent it from browning too quickly) and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• You can add other vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, use rice and check that your breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.

Enjoy your mushroom casserole! If you have any questions or need variations, just let me know!