VEGETABLE STUFFED PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS
When I first started this blog, I didn’t think about how transformations of my own diet could impact my work. I was an omnivore when this blog began. But, over the years, as life naturally does change, so do our eating habits. Our perception of “healthy” is constantly reshaping, just as our needs do.
When my daughter became a vegetarian, years ago, I felt compelled to join her. At first, it was kind of a show of support. After a few months in, I felt a change. As time went on, I couldn’t imagine going back.
Vegetable Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms
These stuffed mushrooms are everyone's favorite! Use a vegetarian Parmesan to keep them strictly vegetarian or use vegan shreds for a vegan option.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
4 large portabella mushrooms wiped with a damp paper towel
2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for coating the mushrooms
1 large sweet onion diced
2 medium zucchini diced
1 roasted red pepper diced
4 – 6 sun dried tomatoes chopped
2 – 3 cloves garlic minced
1 large handful of spinach
1 pinch dried oregano crushed between your fingers
dash of crushed red pepper flakes
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs see notes to make this gluten free
1/4 cup grated Parmesan see notes to make this vegetarian/vegan
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese see notes to make this vegan
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line a sided baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a small spoon, gently scoop the gills out of the inside of the mushroom. With a small knife, remove the stalk.
Rub each mushroom with a bit of olive oil and set them on the prepared baking sheet, stalk side up.
In a 12 inch sauté pan over medium high heat, add the olive oil then the onions. Sauté for 3 or 4 minutes, then add the zucchini and continue to cook as the zucchini begins to soften. Next add the red pepper and tomatoes. Cook for another few minutes. When the onions have become translucent and soft, add the garlic. Cook for one minute and add the spinach.
Once the spinach wilts, remove the pan from the heat and add the rest of the ingredients, up to and including the Parmesan. Stir to combine.
Divide the mixture in four; I spread the mixture out evenly in the pan and using my spoon, just slice through like a pie to divide equally. Stuff each mushroom with a quarter of the mixture.
Bake in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. Top each mushroom with about 1 tablespoon of the mozzarella and continue baking for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is just beginning to get golden on top.
Notes
To make this gluten free, be sure your breadcrumbs are labeled gluten free. Tip: I buy gluten free bread that must be stored in the freezer. Some of the slices inevitably break when separating. I like to use those broke slices for breadcrumbs. Just whizz them up in your food processor and store them in the freezer. Be sure to label them as gluten free.
To make this vegetarian, be sure that your Parmesan is made without animal rennet or substitute with nutritional yeast.
To make this vegan, use vegan mozzarella and substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
These stuffed mushrooms are delicious served as a meal, with a salad and maybe some pasta, but they also make an amazing appetizer!