Friday, June 22, 2007

Portabella Mushrooms - King of the Grill

Grilling Portabella Mushrooms Portobello

Big, tender, meaty and filling is how I would describe a grilled portabella mushroom. With its large size it is no wonder that Portabella Mushrooms can be called King if the Grill.

Grilling portabellas is easy! You can marinate them in your favourite marinade before throwing them on the grill or just lightly brush with olive oil and salt & pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes either side. Eat it as a burger, a topping or side dish.

Not only do Portabellas taste great, but they can be used as a meat alternative saving tons of calories, fat, sodium and carbohydrates.

Try this recipe:

"Barbecued Mushroom and Spinach Pizzettes

Prep Time: 10 mins. Cooking Time: 8 mins.

3 tbsp olive oil,
45 mL
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2
4 large fresh Portabella Mushroom caps
4
4 6-7" (15-17cm) whole wheat pita breads
4
1/3 cup sun-dried tomato pesto 75 mL
4 cups baby spinach or arugula leaves (2oz/60g)
1 L
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan or Romano cheese
125 mL
Fresh ground black pepper to taste

In a small bowl whisk oil and garlic together, lightly brush the mushrooms on both sides with garlic oil. Barbecue mushrooms on high heat for 2-3 minutes per side or until mushrooms are slightly softened. Meanwhile place pitas on the barbecue over high heat and cook for 2 minutes on one side or until warmed through. Remove to a tray or cutting board and spread softer side with the tomato pesto. Top with spinach leaves, and then warm mushrooms, stem side up. Return to barbecue and cook for additional 2-3 minutes o until slightly crisp. Garnish with Parmesan shavings. Cut in halves or quarters and serve immediately. Add pepper to taste.

Serves 4

Variation: If mushrooms are too large for the pitas, thickly slice mushrooms on a cutting board and place on top of spinach.

Tips: Thinner pitas will crisp better than thicker ones.To shave Parmesan easily use a vegetable peeler. Shaved Parmesan is most attractive but if substituting grated Parmesan use only ¼ cup (50 mL)

Nutritional Information:
Per Serving 1 Pizzette
Calories: 370
Sodium: 784 mg
Protein : 16.1 g
Fat: 17.9 g
Carbohydrates: 40.7 g
Dietary Fibre: 6.9 g"

Enjoy the great weather, and a great evening out of the BBQ with the King of the Grill; Portabellas!

recipe courtesy of Mushrooms Canada

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