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Top > Earthy Delights Recipes > Earthy Delights Gourmet Recipes > Tips & Techniques > All About Porcini! |
All About Porcini!
No matter what form they
come in,
Porcini mushrooms never
disappoint.
Delectable when fresh, dried, or frozen,
porcini mushrooms (boletus edulis) are
among the most sought after of all the
wild-harvest mushrooms. Italians
affectionately call them "porcini"
(piglets), so-called for their plump form as
they are found on the forest floor. In
France they are known as Cepes; to
the Germans they are Steinpilz.
Because of their remarkable flavor and meaty
texture, Porcini mushrooms are one of the
most highly prized wild mushrooms
in the world. The robust, earthy flavor of
Porcini lends itself to countless dishes from
savory sauces for meat or poultry to pastas,
omelets and polenta.
Just the Facts, Please:
What Are Porcini Mushrooms?
Porcini belong to the Boletus
genus of mushrooms (there are over
100), which are all
characterized by a tender, meaty
flesh. While there are several types and
qualities of porcini, all porcini typically
possess a big, round, fleshy brown
cap that is supported by a short plump stem.
The underside of the cap does not have gills,
but pores that release its spores.
Porcini are often found growing in
association with certain varieties of
evergreen and hardwood trees. Like many other
wild mushrooms, porcini mushrooms continue to
resist efforts at cultivation because of the
symbiotic relationship formed with the trees
under which they grow. They remain a true
wild mushroom, picked straight from the
forest floor.
Fresh, Dried or Frozen:
What's the Difference?
If you're lucky enough to find them, fresh
porcini are unsurpassed for wild mushroom
texture, aroma and mouthwatering flavor.
Sadly, top quality fresh porcini are hard to come
by. If not perfectly fresh, porcini are
frequently prone to spoilage or colonization
by insects and their larva. While harmless,
these creepy-crawlies can be off-putting!
Consequently, Earthy Delights offers fresh
porcini for sale ONLY when they are at
their very best.
Fortunately, we have plenty of other options
available!
Dried and frozen porcini offer
the opportunity to enjoy their fantastic flavor
any time of the year. And since the quality
of dried or frozen mushrooms is very consistent,
you always know what to expect.
Dried Porcini Mushrooms:
Great Flavor and Great Value!
If you're looking for authentic flavor in a
favorite recipe, dried porcini can make all
the difference. Dried Porcini have a
concentrated flavor and heady mushroom aroma
that is fantastic in risotto, soups and truly
amazing sauces.
While dried mushrooms may at first seem
expensive, when soaked in water, they will
rehydrate to 6 - 8 times their dry weight!
They need no refrigeration,
will keep many months in the pantry (even
much longer in the freezer) and are ready
at a moment's notice. Last, but not least,
since dried porcini are not perishable, they
don't require any expensive shipping options.
First, the bad news:
Dried porcini are in short supply! Last
year's harvest was one of the worst on
record. Supplies are down, demand has
increased and porcini prices have steadily
gone up.
Now, the GOOD news!
Earthy Delights has secured a large amount of
great quality porcini of several
types - all at very reasonable prices!
Earthy Delights currently offers
three varieties
of dried porcini mushrooms:
Dried European
Porcini AA (EXTRA)
Fragrant and flavorful, our best European
porcini consists of large pieces of top
quality Boletus Edulis, sliced and
dried naturally.
No additives or
preservatives - just great mushrooms.
Dried European
Porcini A
Just as
flavorful as Grade AA, but may contain
smaller, less perfect and more darkly colored
pieces of European porcini. An excellent
choice for most uses!
Naturally dried
with no additives or preservatives.
Dried Asian
Porcini A
Let's just
state for the record that these porcini are
from China. Before they ever reach our warehouse,
they are rigorously tested and are guaranteed to
be pure & unadulterated. With excellent flavor &
great texture, they are a fantastic value!
Naturally dried with absolutely no
additives or
preservatives.
Frozen Porcini Mushrooms:
Next Best Thing to Fresh
For those really special occasions, when
fresh porcini are unavailable, try some of
our beautiful, individually quick frozen
porcini!
These little beauties (3 - 4
inches) are real porcini, boletus
edulis, and are the very closest thing to
fresh. In fact, once they're cooked, you may
have a hard time telling the difference!
Try some of our frozen porcini mushrooms today.
Recipe:
Spaghetti con Funghi e Carciofi
This updated version of an Italian classic is perfectly suited to the
modern American kitchen. The naturally sweet, delicate flavor of
artichokes is the perfect counterpoint to the rich savory taste of
porcini mushrooms. If you prefer a vegetarian version, just replace the
veal stock with vegetable or mushroom stock!
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Ingredients:
good quality spaghetti or linguine, cooked, to serve two
1 oz dried Porcini mushrooms
1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms (Crimini or button are fine)
4 fresh or frozen artichoke bottoms, cooked and sliced
(canned may be used in a pinch)
4 tablespoons tomato sauce
1 tablespoon veal
demi-glace dissolved in one cup water
2 shallots, diced
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Sea salt & freshly ground Black Pepper
Preparation:
Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover with warm water. Set aside for 20 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid. Chop coarsely.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the shallots and fresh mushrooms and saute over medium heat, stirring frequently, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for about two minutes longer.
Add the chopped porcini mushrooms and the sliced artichoke pieces,continuing to stir, and cook for another minute or two.
Add the porcini liquid, demiglace and tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce begins to reduce and thicken slightly, about 6 minutes.
Remove from heat and toss with pasta and chopped parsley. Add freshly ground pepper and salt to taste.
Serve with generous amounts of parmesan cheese.
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