Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Contributed by: News Canada
Umami in mushrooms is nature's flavour enhancer
(NC) - Umami, what's this? It's the 5th taste, according to David and Anna Kasabian, authors of the Fifth Taste. Umami (pronounced oo-MA-mee) extends the finish of savoury foods, making them linger on the palate longer. In other words, Umami enhances the flavours of the foods it is served with, like sautéed mushrooms with steak, or sliced mushrooms in a salad, it simply makes them taste better.
Mushrooms have Umami, which is why restaurants serve them on burgers and steaks. Remember how that morsel of steak exploded with flavour when it was served with mushrooms on the side? That's Umami. Your mouth tingled as you began to enjoy the food, a sensation that can only be brought on by Umami. For an even more delightful taste, try a medley of grilled mushrooms; whites, browns, shiitake, oyster and enoki. Sheer pleasure.
If you love food, and who doesn't, be sure to put Umami rich mushrooms on your weekly shopping list. Your taste buds will love you for it.
Try this tasty recipe; it explodes with the great taste of Umami.
This is the ultimate Umami sauce; serve with beef tenderloin, steaks or veal, pork or turkey scaloppini.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter 25 mL
- 2 tbsp minced shallots 25 mL
- 4 oz fresh mushrooms (white, crimini, shiitake, oyster, or portabella) stemmed and sliced 125 g
- 1/2 cup each, chicken broth and Marsala wine 125 mL
- 2/3 cup whipping cream (35%) 175 mL
- freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large skillet heat butter over medium heat; sauté shallots for 1 minute; add mushrooms and cook 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Add broth and wine; bring to boil and cook until reduced by about half. Add cream and cook until sauce has thickened slightly about 2-3 minutes or until desired consistency. Return mushrooms and heat until hot. Serve over cooked meat.
Tip: Substitute white part of green onions for shallots.
Variation: Substitute brandy or sherry for Marsala wine.
More great mushroom recipes are available online at www.mushrooms.ca.
Serving Size: Makes 4 Servings
