Pickled Chanterelles in Herb-Infused Marinade

This delightful recipe offers a unique way to prepare and enjoy chanterelle mushrooms by pickling them in a flavorful herb-infused marinade. The tartness of wine vinegar is balanced with aromatic herbs and spices, making for a savory treat. These pickled chanterelles are perfect for adding a gourmet touch to salads or antipasto platters. The process involves a perfect blend of boiling, marinating, and storing to capture the essence of the mushrooms. It's a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the natural flavors of the chanterelles while providing a delightful tangy twist. You can store these pickled mushrooms for later use, making them an excellent addition to your pantry. Whether you want to enjoy them on their own, paired with a cheese platter, or as a garnish for meats, they bring a burst of flavor to any dish. This recipe is a wonderful way to preserve the rich taste of chanterelles when they are in season. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it's also a delightful culinary adventure!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 kg cleaned small chanterelle mushrooms
0.5 l white wine vinegar
0.25 l water

Spices and Herbs:

3-4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
4-6 small thyme sprigs
4 strips lemon peel
4 halves of bay leaves

Other:

Oil (for covering the mushrooms)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 80 minutes (Preparation: 10 minutes, Cooking: 30 minutes, Marinating: 40 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

In a large pot, combine the white wine vinegar, water, chopped garlic, black peppercorns, salt, and a couple of thyme sprigs. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the marinade simmer for about 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Add the cleaned chanterelle mushrooms to the simmering marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the mushrooms and let them drain. Discard any thyme pieces from the mushrooms.
Prepare sterilized jars by placing a strip of lemon peel, a half bay leaf, and a fresh thyme sprig at the bottom of each jar.
Fill the jars with the drained mushrooms, packing them in gently without crushing them.
In a separate pot, heat the oil to 75°C (165°F). It is important not to overheat the oil as it should cover the mushrooms, not cook them.
Pour the warm oil over the mushrooms in each jar. Use a wooden skewer to gently stir the mushrooms, releasing any trapped air bubbles.
Ensure that the mushrooms are completely submerged under the oil to prevent spoilage.
Seal the jars tightly with lids.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place such as a basement or refrigerator. Allow them to marinate for at least a week before enjoying them.

Tips

Substitution Tip: If you run out of thyme, rosemary can be a good alternative.
Storage: Always ensure that the mushrooms remain submerged in oil to preserve their quality.
Marinade Reuse: The leftover marinade can be used for other vegetables or as a salad dressing base.
Serving Tip: Serve these with a crusty baguette as an appetizer.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 60 per 100g serving
Protein: 2g
Fats: 4g
Carbohydrates: 4g

Variations

Vegan Option: Use a light olive oil or avocado oil for subtle flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add a couple of red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Herbaceous Blend: Include fresh dill along with thyme for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Cheese: Perfect alongside soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Garnish for Meats: Serve with grilled chicken or steak as a flavorful garnish.
Salad Topper: Use as a topping for a fresh green salad.

Best Places

Le Jardin du Gourmet - A quaint cafe offering fine pickled delicacies. Location: 123 Rue de Paris, Lyon, France.
Gourmet's Haven - Known for artisanal pickles and gourmet dishes. Location: 456 Gourmet St, Portland, USA.
The Pickled Palate - Chic spot serving a variety of pickled treats. Location: 789 Culinary Ave, Melbourne, Australia.
Vinegar & Spice - Specializes in house-made pickles with global flavors. Location: 321 Spice Rd, Toronto, Canada.
Mushroom Magic Bistro - Delights guests with mushroom-centric dishes. Location: 654 Mushroom Ln, Tokyo, Japan.
The Artisan Jar - Offers a wide selection of pickled and preserved goods. Location: 987 Artisan Alley, Cape Town, South Africa.
Flavors of the World Cafe - Features pickled items from different cuisines. Location: 246 Global Blvd, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Gastro Bazaar - Known for its creative use of pickled ingredients in meals. Location: 159 Bazaar Rd, Istanbul, Turkey.
Epicurean Delight - Offers a fine selection of gourmet preserves. Location: 753 Epicurean Walk, Rome, Italy.
The Brined Beanery - Combines coffee culture with pickled delicacies. Location: 852 Bean St, Wellington, New Zealand.