Make Shroom Burgers For Your Next Gathering

By Daniel Olson


When it comes to regional dishes, it is common to want to take something home and share with others. However, most people may not know where to start, especially if a recipe is fairly new or proprietary. For those who are naturally born cooks, cracking the food code is easy and sometimes the end result tastes better than the original. Trendy foods like buffalo wings, fried chicken sandwiches, and shroom burgers have many spins created by home cooks.

While these are normally made with a Portobello mushroom cap, the smaller white button or brown crimini may be an excellent substitute. As there are a few versions of this dish from home cooks and recipe hackers, anyone can use their own preferences for cheese and filling. Although the original version found at regional burger chains is fried in a large vat of canola oil, smaller versions can be baked in a regular oven or place on a grill.

While the original calls for a potato bun, some may use the usual white or wheat hamburger bun. Between the buns are a couple of lettuce slices, a tomato, and burger sauce. Although there are many variations to be found on cooking forums and blogs, this is a basic mixture of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and relish. Some cooks may add a sprinkle of dried herbs or squeeze of lemon juice for an extra layer of flavor.

For those who do not care much about cooking, this could be a nice project to share with other members of a family. One person can do the cutting, while the other is in charge of the cooking and preparation process. If unsure about the steps, there are likely to be online demonstration videos that can walk culinary novices through the process.

Instead of covering with panko crumbs and deep frying, a bare version that only has the cheese mixture that cooks in an oven or atop the grill can cut unwanted calories. For those that cannot resist that crunch, it may help to use panko or bread crumbs on top of filling before placing on the fire. Mixing these in a little olive oil or melted butter will enhance the flavor profile.

There was once a time when buying already prepared edibles was considered unhealthy. The ample amounts of salt used to preserve products could be dangerous to individual health if this was an ongoing habit. These days, there are many naturally processed foods that are already seasoned and low in sodium.

While some consider potato buns to be better on the nutrition scale than most white or wheat versions, this can be treated like any other burger. Instead of using a few small lettuce leaves, wrapping in several large pieces of Romaine or iceberg lettuce is a healthy start. Whole wheat flatbread or tortillas are also good for making wraps or a purse style sandwich.

Another good party idea that is easy is creating a healthy frozen yogurt bar. Using an empty ice cube tray, pour favorite yogurt flavors into each compartment until full. Let freeze until solid and do not remove before everyone is ready to dig in. In the meantime, different candies, fruits, or nuts can be placed inside small bowls and cups. This dessert is not only easy but healthy and no hard scrubbing of dishes in the end.




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