MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE ROASTED CHAMPIGNON MUSHROOMS — VEGETARIAN “MUSSELS”
Inspired by the classic Mediterranean mussel dish, these small champignon mushrooms are roasted to release their juices, then simmered with white wine, garlic, and parsley to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, served with toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🍳 Cook Time: 35 min
🍰 Yields: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 500 g small champignon mushrooms (30–50 mm, white or brown)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, crushed
- ¼ bunch fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
- 2 tbsp dry white wine
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter (about 15 g)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Clean the Mushrooms
- In a bowl, mix cold water with juice from ¼ lemon.
- Soak paper towels in this lemon water and gently wipe mushroom caps clean.
- Trim the sponge-like woody ends from the mushroom stems.
2. Roast the Mushrooms
- Place 3 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof dish large enough to hold the mushrooms in a single layer (they can be slightly crowded).
- Add mushrooms and season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 240–250°C (465–480°F) for 15 minutes.
- During roasting, mushrooms will release plenty of juice at the bottom of the dish.
3. Add Wine, Garlic, and Parsley
- Remove dish briefly and stir in white wine, crushed garlic, and half the chopped parsley.
- Return to oven and roast for another 20 minutes, until the liquid reduces and mushrooms are tender.
4. Finish and Serve
- Stir in remaining parsley, butter pieces, and lemon juice. Mix to create a thicker, glossy sauce.
- Serve immediately with toasted bread for dipping.
💡 Tips
- Avoid washing mushrooms under running water to preserve their flavor; wiping with damp paper towels is best.
- Use good quality dry white wine for the sauce.
- The resulting aromatic oil and reduced juice make a perfect dipping sauce.
- These mushrooms are delicious warm, at room temperature, or gently reheated.
🎉 Perfect For
- Vegetarian appetizers or side dishes
- Mediterranean-inspired meals
- Serving alongside grilled meats or seafood as a flavorful complement
📝 Final Thoughts
This vegetarian “mussels” recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors by slow roasting mushrooms to release their juices and enhancing them with wine, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s a simple, elegant dish that’s versatile and satisfying.