Creamy mushroom and chicken © Courtesy of Mushrooms Canada
Supporting your immune system starts with what’s on your plate—and if mushrooms are part of your meal, so does making sustainable food choices! Small but mighty, mushrooms are nutritious and sustainable powerhouses, adding a boost to both your meals and your immune system, all while being one of the most sustainably produced foods available.
Mushrooms are champions of conservation. They are water-conscious and energy-efficient, requiring only 6.8 litres of water to grow 0.5 kg of mushrooms. Mushroom farming is remarkable in terms of energy efficiency, especially when grown in regions with clean energy grids like Ontario. The small space required for mushroom cultivation amplifies its sustainability. One acre can yield an astounding one million pounds of mushrooms. That means mushrooms have a significantly lower footprint compared to many other foods.
Future-focused and innovative, mushrooms are also natural recyclers. Mushroom growers recycle agricultural byproducts into the substrate needed to grow mushrooms. Each time mushrooms are harvested, this substrate can be reused by other farmers or repurposed into potting soil—it’s by the earth and for the earth, circular and sustainable. Better yet, mushrooms are grown year-round across Canada, so they’re always in season and ready to eat.
Packed with flavour and nutrients, mushrooms are bonafide powerhouses for your health. With low calorie, sodium, and fat content, these fungi are a guilt-free enhancement to any dish. Mushrooms are cholesterol-free and rich in selenium and B vitamins, which are essential for a healthy body and mind. Mushrooms are also the only food naturally containing vitamin D found in the produce aisle, a must for any time of year, but especially with winter on the way.
Mushrooms are not only nutritious on their own but also shine when paired with complementary ingredients. These “power pairings” create delicious meals that fuel your body. For example, combining mushrooms with vitamin C-rich foods enhances iron absorption, while pairing them with selenium-rich nuts amplifies antioxidant benefits.
Thanks to their versatility and distinct flavour profiles, the pairing options for mushrooms are virtually limitless. White mushrooms offer a versatile, woodsy flavour that complements nearly any dish, making them a staple for quick dinners. Shiitake mushrooms bring a savoury umami taste, perfect for enhancing stir-fries, stews, and soups. Try them for yourself in these quick-and-easy mushroom recipes!
Find more flavour-packed and sustainable mushroom recipes at mushrooms.ca
Creamy Mushroom & Chicken
Tender chicken thighs are seared until golden and smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. Enjoy this classic dish with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles or gnocchi, and a side of roasted broccolini.
Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 40 minutes • Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6-8 thighs)
- 1 tsp each salt and
ground pepper - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 package (227 g) sliced crimini mushrooms
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp each dried thyme and rosemary
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup cream
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Using paper towels, pat chicken dry.
- Add flour, salt, and pepper to a shallow bowl; whisk to combine. Lightly coat chicken in flour. Set remaining flour aside.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; sear for 6-8 minutes. Flip and sear for another 6-8 minutes or until browned and internal temperature has reached 165°F. Remove chicken from pan; set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Add mushrooms and onions; cook, stirring
occasionally until mushrooms are browned and the onions are translucent, about 8 minutes. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. - Sprinkle over reserved flour and thyme and rosemary; stir until mushrooms are coated. Add chicken broth, stirring until sauce thickens. Add cream and Parmesan cheese; stir until heated through and cheese has melted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken back to the pan, spooning over sauce and mushrooms. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving, if desired.
Mushrooms On Toast
Sautéed mushrooms on a rustic slice of bread topped with Swiss cheese and thyme make a delicious snack or light lunch.
Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes • Total Time: 20 minutes • Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil, divided
- 1 package (227 g) sliced crimini mushrooms
- 1 package (113 g) shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 4-6 slices French bread, thick-cut
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Directions
- Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler; heat broiler on high.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic, vinegar, and thyme; cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
- Place bread on broiler-safe baking sheet. Drizzle each slice with remaining oil. Place under broiler to toast for 1 minute. Remove from oven, flip, toast for 1 minute. Remove from oven.
- Divide ½ cup cheese evenly among toasted slices of bread. Top each slice with sautéed mushrooms. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and crust is browned; about 1 minute.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm.
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Mushrooms are a great way to add a depth of flavour to your cooking, with their earthy and savoury taste, their umami can easily enhance any dish and take it to the next level. Adding mushrooms to your meals can elevate the taste and create a deeper, more satisfying flavour profile thanks to their naturally occurring umami. They’re versatile, easy to cook with, and a great way to add a healthy boost to your meals.