A perfect match: tips for flavour pairing mushrooms

Mushrooms are one of the most versatile ingredients available, they add a burst of umami while absorbing any flavours you wish to feature in your dishes. Although mushrooms pair deliciously with a wide selection of sauces, spices and herbs, there are some that make a perfect match. Start with the humble button mushroom and four simple, readily available ingredients.

1. Garlic: two great things come together when mushrooms and garlic are paired. Combine the two in a frypan for a deliciously simple side or toast topper, or enjoy this tasty combo in this Mushroom Ragu with Creamy Polenta. See the video below. Tonight’s dinner, sorted.

 

2. Thyme: spruce up your mid-week mushroom meals with a touch of thyme – be it risotto, a vegetable tart, a sauce or perhaps this delicious one-pan dinner of Eggs and Herbed Mushrooms.

 

3. Butter: give your mushrooms a crispy, golden finish with the help of a little butter for frying. To try the combination in a recipe, whip up these Chicken Leek and Mushroom Pot Pies and enjoy their rich flavours altogether.

 

4. Parmesan: mushrooms and parmesan are a very compatible couple. Top your mushroom toast with a sprinkling of parmesan, or try this family-pleasing Cheesy Bacon and Mushroom Bread Bake.

 

The best part? All four of these ingredients can be used with button mushrooms in one recipe, to create the ultimate flavoursome mushrooms. Fry your mushrooms in a little butter, diced garlic and fresh thyme, then place your mushrooms on a piece of crunchy sourdough, and sprinkle with and parmesan for a tasty finishing touch