Full of protein and fibre, vitamin B, antioxidants, mushrooms are a powerhouse of nutrients and all things healthy! They not only increase our immunity, but also help in absorption of vitamin D, protect against cancer, lower cholesterol, control weight gain, and even protect the heart.
Most of us love our mushrooms. Be it just a simple plate of mushrooms sautéed in some olive oil, or mushrooms on a pizza, or pasta in mushroom sauce, or some fried mushrooms with soya, we all have our favourite mushroom dish. But did you know that mushroom is now being used extensively in desserts too?
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Yes, you heard it right! Mushroom desserts are the latest fad which is being loved all over the globe.
The wide variety of mushrooms, ranging from shitake to white to enoki to porcini to oyster to morels and the range of flavours is just phenomenal. Each type varies in flavor in terms of intensity. Mushrooms are used are crumbs, simply as sprinkles, or even in ice creams, pannacottas, parfaits, semifreddos, and also in cakes, cookies, cupcakes, etc. The flavor of dried mushrooms is distinct and lends itself very well to dessert cooking.
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The various types of mushrooms with different textures add a different taste and can be used in many creative ways in desserts. For instance, the enoki mushroom tastes great when fried, and add a great crunchy texture to any dish. A dried porcini mushroom powder, sprinkled on top of your usual chocolate ice cream adds a whole new dimension to the dish. Another variety can be added to a caramel and a mushroom caramel will be great.
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Now, which flavours does mushroom pair well with? Mushrooms pair very well with the typical savoury herbs and spices, rosemary, parsley, basil, pepper or even fennel, beetroot, cheese, olive oil and lemon. You can make a perfect savoury dessert with these ingredients. Or you can pair it with the dessert flavours like caramel, chocolate meringue, cardamom, etc.
If you are fond of mushrooms, you should definitely try them out in a dessert. It will be a great experience and I’m sure mushroom will become one of your favourite dessert ingredient!
