Simple mushroom sauce: the definitive recipe!
Are you looking for a condiment that brings the scent of the woods to the table without driving you crazy at the stove? The simple mushroom sauce is the ideal culinary solution for those with little time who don’t want to give up the authentic taste of Mediterranean cuisine. This “red” version, enriched with tomato pulp, is an evergreen classic that pleases both young and old. The beauty of this preparation lies in its extreme versatility: you can use a mix of fresh seasonal mushrooms, like prized porcini or common champignons, or rely on a good frozen mix for unbeatable speed.
Preparing a simple mushroom sauce doesn’t require starred-chef skills, just a few quality ingredients: an excellent extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and a pinch of parsley chopped at the last moment to unleash an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen in minutes.
Below, other delicious sauces:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 Servings
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 117.11 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 10.64 (g) of which sugars 2.55 (g)
- Proteins 5.13 (g)
- Fat 7.73 (g) of which saturated 1.11 (g)of which unsaturated 0.37 (g)
- Fibers 2.44 (g)
- Sodium 308.66 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 110 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1.1 lb mushrooms (mixed, champignon or porcini, fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup tomato pulp
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste parsley (fresh)
Tools
- Pan Moneta Etnea Artech Stone Ultra – Aluminum Pan, Nonstick, Black, 11 in
- Brushes Chinchilla® Mushroom Brush, wooden, for cleaning mushrooms or vegetables, suitable for all mushroom types, kitchen brush, natural, sustainable cleaning brush
Steps for simple mushroom sauce
Preparing the mushrooms:
If you use fresh mushrooms: gently clean them with a damp cloth or a small brush to remove dirt, then slice or dice them.
If you use frozen mushrooms: you can cook them straight from frozen, but be sure to let excess water evaporate in the initial stage.
Aromatic sauté:
In a large pan, pour 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and add the 2 garlic cloves (you can leave them whole to remove later or chop them if you prefer a stronger flavor).
Sauté over low heat until the garlic becomes lightly golden.
Cooking the mushrooms:
Raise the heat slightly and add the mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes.
At first they will release their liquid: let it evaporate almost completely so the mushrooms begin to brown, capturing the flavor of the oil and garlic.
Adding the tomato:
Pour 1 cup of tomato pulp into the pan. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Lower the heat, partially cover with a lid and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The sauce should reduce and become thick and fragrant.
Seasoning and final touch:
Towards the end of cooking, taste and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Turn off the heat and add a generous handful of fresh parsley chopped at the last moment. Stir once more to release all the aroma.
Tips and notes for simple mushroom sauce
If the sauce dries out too much during cooking, add half a ladle of hot water (or some pasta cooking water). For a more pronounced flavor, you can add a pinch of chili pepper with the garlic at the beginning.
Tricks for an intense aroma
To make your simple mushroom sauce even more special, try chopping the parsley finely just before serving. The residual heat of the sauce will be enough to release the herb’s essential oils without burning it, keeping a bright green color that will make the dish visually appealing and fresh on the palate.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I prepare the simple mushroom sauce in advance?
Certainly! The sauce keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. In fact, as it rests, the flavors of the mushrooms and tomato stabilize, often becoming even tastier the next day after reheating.
