Portabella mushrooms are typically quite impressive choices. They are larger, giving you far more of a meaty texture than other types of mushrooms. Do not overlook them, though. They work well in a number of ways and can provide some outstanding benefits to your dishes.
Portabella mushrooms have a similar taste and texture to cremini. However, the highest quality of them will have a stronger flavor than even cremini mushrooms. When you want a dish that centers on mushroom richness, this is one of the mushroom options to choose from. It is earthy, robust, and packed with flavor.
One of the best things to do with portabellas is to pair them with grilled food (you can even grill them because they are a hearty enough mushroom to manage that high temperature. However, you can use them in a variety of different ways. Cooking them tends to be better because it will help to soften them and helps to bring out their natural flavor. You can add them to a stir fry, braise them, or even cook them down and puree them for a rich soup. Add them stews, too.
Portabellas tend to have a five to six inch cap on them. You can simply remove the stem and slice them, or you can dice them. In some cases, you’ll want to just add a bit of olive oil and season them whole, then grill them or fry them. Keep in mind that you can use the stem in stews, but they tend to be lesser used than other types of mushrooms. It only takes a few minutes for them to soften. Once that happens, you can dive in and enjoy them.
Like all mushrooms, they will absorb flavors. For this reason, it is a good idea to choose, pick, and store them properly. First, you can purchase with or without the stem. If it doesn’t have a stem, it is likely to last a shorter amount of time. Plan to use them within a week. Wipe them with a damp cloth and store them in a plastic bag until you are ready to use them. Portabellas are a great choice for most dishes, but you do want to make sure they are as fresh as possible when using them.
