Pickled Mushrooms And Onions Recipe

Ever tried transforming humble mushrooms into an irresistible tangy treat that will make your taste buds sing? Let’s dive into this simple yet delightfully zesty pickling adventure!

The brilliant tang that pickled mushrooms and onions bring to a dish is hard to beat. They soak up the flavors of white wine vinegar, garlic, and mustard seeds with the best of them.

Yet, I wouldn’t dream of serving them without the equally important black peppercorns. And don’t tell the mushrooms and onions I spilled the SECRET of my mental state, but I’d just as soon face pickling them in hell as to preserve them in any other way.

They’re just too good, too easy, and too versatile.

Ingredients

• Button Mushrooms: Low-calorie source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
• White Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess and aids in preservation.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances vinegar’s sharpness with sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, essential for pickling process.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, known for its health benefits.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses earthy fragrance, aids in digestion.
• Black Peppercorns: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Mustard Seeds: Contributes mild heat and depth of flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb (450 g) button mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (480 ml) white wine vinegar
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) salt
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) red pepper flakes (optional)
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme or dill (optional)

How to Make this

1. In a saucepan of moderate size, whisk together the white wine vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and salt. Set over medium heat, and stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.

2. Add the vinegar mixture to the lightly crushed garlic cloves, bay leaf, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Lower the temperature until the mixture is at a slow bubble and add the button mushrooms. Stir them gently so they become evenly coated with the pickling liquid.

4. Cook the mushrooms in a small amount of liquid for about 10 minutes or until they are tender but still firm to the touch.

5. Add the onions, cut into very thin slices, to the saucepan and keep simmering for another 5 minutes.

6. For additional flavor, you can add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or dill to the mixture. Then, stir the incorporated contents.

7. Take the saucepan off the burner and let the blend cool to room temperature.

8. Place the chilled, pickled mushrooms and onions into clean, sterilized jars, along with the pickling liquid. Make sure the mushrooms and onions are fully submerged in the liquid.

9. Screw the lids onto the jars so they are airtight and put the jars in the refrigerator. Let the mushrooms and onions soak for at least a day before you serve them. The longer you let them sit, the more pronounced their flavors will be.

10. Offer the mushrooms and onions, preserved in vinegar, elixir of life, as a side dish. They would complement, say, an artisanal sandwich of coppa and burrata. They are only slightly less heavenly alongside a plate of verdant salad. And yet…we tend to think of them mostly as something you pull out of the fridge to cure a pickle craving late at night.

Equipment Needed

1. Saucepan
2. Whisk
3. Stirring spoon
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Jar funnel (optional)
9. Sterilized jars with lids

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of mushroom?A: Yes, you can use other varieties like cremini or shiitake, but they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
• Q: How long do pickled mushrooms and onions last?A: When they are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they should last up to 2 weeks. 1. How long do they last? 2. Where do you store them? 3. In what kind of container do you keep them?
• Q: Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar?A: Yes, apple cider vinegar serves as a good substitute and will impart a slightly different flavor.
• Q: Are the red pepper flakes necessary?A: No, they are not required. They can be excluded if you want to make a pickling solution that is milder than the one specified in recipe form.
• Q: Can I adjust the amount of sugar?Q: Can I change the amount of sugar in the recipe?
  A: Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste, but it may affect the overall balance of flavors.
• Q: What dishes pair well with pickled mushrooms and onions?A: Charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and grilled meats and salads serve as perfect pairings for them.
• Q: Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?A: The aroma and flavor that fresh herbs impart are hard to match. However, if you can’t get your hands on fresh herbs, feel free to rely on their dried counterparts or to cook without them.

Pickled Mushrooms And Onions Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Button mushrooms: Switch out for cremini or portobello mushrooms for a more robust texture.
White wine vinegar. Substitute: Use apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor.
Granulated sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for an alternative sweetness profile.
Salt. Employ sea salt or kosher salt if you prefer a mineral content that’s a wee bit different from regular table salt.
Thyme or dill: Substitute with unique herb flavors like rosemary or tarragon.

Pro Tips

1. Maximize Mushroom Flavor Before adding the mushrooms to the pickling liquid, sauté them lightly in a bit of olive oil until they are just starting to brown. This brief sautéing will enhance their natural umami flavor and add depth to the pickles.

2. Optimize Vinegar Choice Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or rice vinegar, to impart unique flavors to your pickling liquid. Each type will bring a different dimension to the finished product.

3. Customize Spice Levels For a more nuanced spice profile, toast the mustard seeds and peppercorns in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the pickling liquid. This will release their essential oils and intensify their flavor.

4. Enhance with Aromatics Add a strip of lemon peel to the pickling mix for a bright, citrusy note. Alternatively, a few slices of fresh ginger can add a warm, spicy undertone.

5. Storage Tips Allow the jars to sit at room temperature for about 12 hours before refrigerating. This can further develop flavors and ensure the spices fully infuse the mushrooms and onions. Ensure the jars are completely sealed and check periodically to confirm the contents remain submerged for optimal preservation.