Small but Mighty: Savour the Season with Canadian Mushrooms

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. Cholesterol-free and rich in selenium and B vitamins, mushrooms are essential for a healthy body and mind. Mushrooms are also the only source of vitamin D found in the produce aisle, a must for any time of year, but especially in the midst of Canadian winter.

Image © Pexels/Engin Akyurt

Slow Cooker Chili with a Mushroom Twist

Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh crimini mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 lb lean ground beef, crumbled
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 tsp dried minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp dried minced onion
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt

Directions

1. Place the mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a food processor fitted with a metal blade.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Combine the mushroom mixture, ground beef, green pepper, red pepper, and beans in a slow cooker.
4. Stir the diced tomatoes with the tomato paste, chili powder, seasoning blend, cumin, and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the tomato mixture into the slow cooker.
6. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 10 hours.
7. Garnish and serve!

Mushroom Soup Au Gratin to Warm Your Winter

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz sliced assorted fresh mushrooms (white, crimini, portabella, shiitake, oyster)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind
• 1/4 tsp each ground nutmeg and pepper
• 4 slices French bread (1/2″/2.5 cm thick) toasted
• 4 oz grated or sliced Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat; sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic for about 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned.
2. Add chicken broth, lemon rind, nutmeg, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Ladle soup into 4 deep oven-proof bowls.
5. Float bread on top; sprinkle with Swiss cheese and Parmesan if using.
6. Place under broiler until bubbly and lightly browned. Serve and enjoy.