Five Minute Garlic Mushrooms on Toast
How to Make this Fast, Nutritious and Filling Snack
Sep 22, 2009
If ever there was a culinary match made in heaven, garlic and mushrooms are one of them. Garlic, the strong-smelling pungent root and mushrooms, the soft woody fungi are classically linked in pasta dishes, soups and snacks. But for those short of time and in need of a quick garlicky fix, garlic mushrooms on toast is perfect.
It has been reported that garlic is an aphrodisiac. A study by Dr Gruenwald at Berlin University linked garlic to an increase in blood flow and therefore was said to help men with impotence problems. If the smell of garlic on a lover doesn't stir amorous inclinations however, smile in the knowledge that is has also been attributed to heart health and is believed to lower cholesterol (according to a study by Munich University).
Mushrooms have been eaten for thousands of years. The Pharoahs considered them a delicacy and Romans ate them only on special occasions. The Greeks believed they gave power to warriors before a battle. They do contain selenium, potassium and B vitamins and studies have shown regular consumption of mushrooms to have a highly beneficial effect on health.
White, chestnut or button mushrooms could be used for this dish, however the field mushrooms mentioned below are full of flavour and dark in colour and add their colour and woodiness to the finished dish.
How to Make Garlic Mushrooms on Toast
Ingredients
(serves 2)
- two pieces Ciabatta bread or sliced regular bread
- Butter (small knob)
- Olive Oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2-3 large flat field mushrooms
- small handful chopped fresh parsley
- salt and pepper to season
- garlic infused olive oil (optional)
- shavings of parmesan to serve
Method
- Toast the bread or ciabatta until crisp but not charred.
- Melt the butter in a frying pan and drizzle a little olive oil over the butter to prevent it burning.
- Chop the garlic cloves roughly, and slice the mushrooms into fairly thick, meaty chunks.
- When the butter has melted, tip in the garlic and mushrooms and sprinkle in the parsley. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the mushrooms have softened but are still firm in the middle.
- Add salt and pepper to season and drizzle with a final tiny glug of garlic infused olive oil if you have any, to add extra garlic punch!
- Tip the mushrooms out onto the toasted ciabatta or bread, top with the parmesan and eat.
Garlic Mushrooms on Toast - a Quick, Hearty and Tasty Meal
As lunches go, there are few that can be prepared as easily and quickly as this one. Both are nutritious foods and the soft aromatic mushrooms along with the crisp toasted bread is a lunchtime treat much more comforting and warming than a regular sandwich.
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