Wild Mushroom Bruschetta

February 26, 2015

A richer, more sensual first course is not to be had. Smoky flavors come together atop crispy whole grain bread to create a starter that is not only delicious, but helps to relax tension in our shoulders and calves. Simple to make, easy on the body and delicious…yummy…

Makes 8-10 servings

Ingredient List:

  • 1 whole grain baguette, 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, split in half
  • sea salt
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 5-6 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked until tender, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cremini mushrooms, brushed free of dirt, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup oyster mushrooms, coarsely chopped
  • 2 medium Portobello mushrooms, brushed free of dirt, coarsely chopped
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh basil, leaves removed, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mirin
  • juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
  • several stalks fresh chives, finely minced

Step By Step Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375o and line a baking sheet with parchment. Lightly brush both sides of the baguette slices with oil, rub with garlic halves and arrange on the baking sheet. Sprinkle very lightly with salt and bake until crisp, and lightly browned at the edges, about 12 minutes.  

Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet and sauté the garlic and shallots, with a pinch of salt, for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the shiitake and sauté for 1 minute. Add the balance of mushrooms, a generous pinch of salt and sauté until the mushrooms release their juices and begin to re-absorb them. Continue to sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add mirin and bring to a boil, uncovered. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the mirin is absorbed into the mushrooms, 3-5 minutes. Season to taste with salt, stir well and remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and most of the chives, reserving a couple of tablespoons for garnish.

To serve, spoon mushrooms generously onto the bread slices and serve garnished with fresh chives.