Pickled Mushrooms with White Wine Vinegar Marinade

This delightful recipe for pickled mushrooms involves marinating small mushrooms in a fragrant white wine vinegar solution, enriched with a touch of salt and the warmth of black peppercorns. It’s an easy, yet flavorful way to preserve mushrooms, adding a tart and savory element to your meals. These tangy mushrooms can be a perfect addition to sandwiches, salads, or antipasto platters. Prepared in just over an hour, this dish is ideal for those looking to try their hand at pickling. The vinegar serves as a preservative, offering an extended shelf life for the mushrooms. The process involves initially cooking the mushrooms until tender before steeping them in a concentrated vinegar marinade. This creates a delightful balance of acidity and earthiness. The result is a jar filled with preserved mushrooms that not only taste great but look appealing. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is a fantastic way to explore the world of homemade preserves.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 kg small mushrooms
• 1.4 liters mild white wine vinegar

Spices

• 4-6 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns

Preparation Time

Total Time: 70 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Cooking Solution: In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil and mix in 700 ml of the vinegar, salt, and black peppercorns. This will be the initial cooking solution for the mushrooms.

2. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the cleaned mushrooms to the boiling solution. Cook them over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes. This helps in absorbing some flavors and softening the mushrooms.

3. Remove and Pack the Mushrooms: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the mushrooms and place them into sterilized jars. Leave the liquid in the pot.

4. Reduce the Liquid: Return the cooking solution to a boil. Increase the heat to high and continue boiling until the liquid reduces to about 800-900 ml. This concentrates the flavors, making the marinade more robust.

5. Prepare the Marinade: Add the remaining vinegar to the reduced liquid. Bring the marinade back to a boil to ensure it's fully mixed and piping hot.

6. Marinate the Mushrooms: Pour the hot marinade over the mushrooms in the jars, ensuring they are fully submerged. This not only flavors the mushrooms but helps with preservation.

7. Seal the Jars: Seal the jars with sterilized lids while the contents are still hot. This creates a vacuum seal, essential for long-term preservation.

8. Store Properly: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Store them in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor and shelf life.

Note: Ensure all jars and lids are sterilized before use to prevent contamination.

Tips

• Substitutions: Feel free to add other spices such as bay leaves or cloves for additional flavor complexity.
• Techniques: Ensure that the mushrooms are fully submerged in the marinade to avoid spoilage.
• Storage: Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

• Calories: 25 per 100g serving
• Protein: 2g
• Fats: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g

Variations

• Herbal Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the jars for added aroma and flavor.
• Spicy Option: Introduce a few chili flakes to the marinade if you enjoy a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Great with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a cheese board.
• Garnishes: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or chives for added freshness.
• Pairings: Serve alongside crusty bread and cheese for a simple yet satisfying appetizer.

Best Places

1. Oriole Cafe - A charming spot offering artisan pickled goods. Location: 299 Main Street, Chicago, USA.

2. The Gentle Bean - Known for its pickled specialties and rustic atmosphere. Location: 123 Green Lane, Dublin, Ireland.

3. Gourmet Gardens - Hosts a variety of pickled treats in a quaint setting. Location: 456 Rose Avenue, Toronto, Canada.

4. Vine & Table - Offers an eclectic menu including delicious pickled mushrooms. Location: 789 Water Street, Sydney, Australia.

5. Savory Stop - Enriched with local spices, this cafe stands out in presenting pickled dishes. Location: 101 Baker Lane, London, UK.

6. Harborview Bistro - Enjoy pickled delights with an ocean view. Location: 202 Seaside Boulevard, Cape Town, South Africa.

7. Flavor Haven - Presents traditional pickled flavors in a modern setting. Location: 124 Pepper Street, Wellington, New Zealand.

8. Culinary Nest - Specializes in pickled foods with international influences. Location: 345 Spice Road, Mumbai, India.

9. The Pickle Patch - Offers a delightful variety of preserved foods. Location: 678 Olive Drive, Venice, Italy.

10. Bistro Bon Voyage - Known for its unique twists on pickled mushrooms. Location: 910 Traveler Avenue, Paris, France.