Fresh Morel Mushrooms: An Enchanting Prelude to Spring!

Fresh morel mushrooms are a delightful sight at the start of spring. A true delight for the senses, these mushrooms are not only to please your eyes but they also offer a taste that transcends the ordinary. As the season blooms, these wild fungi make their appearance, varying in colour from the lightest hues to the deepest browns, resembling miniature walnuts in all their glory.

Visual Feast and Gastronomic Bliss

Fresh morel mushrooms are not just a treat for the eyes, their taste is truly out of this world. Known for their earthy, nutty flavour and meaty texture, they bring a unique richness to the culinary experience. Remember to always thoroughly clean morel mushrooms before cooking them to remove any dirt or debris. Wash these marvels in a bowl of water, allowing the sediment to settle and then gently dry them in a salad spinner. 

Morel Mushrooms Cooking Suggestions

• Sautéing: Sautéing is one of the best ways to cook morel mushrooms to preserve their delicate flavour and texture. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add butter or olive oil and sauté sliced morels until they are tender. Season with salt, pepper and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
• Stuffing: Morel mushrooms have a hollow interior that is perfect for stuffing. Prepare a savoury filling with ingredients like breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs and cooked sausage or vegetables. Stuff the filling into the morels and bake until they are cooked through and the filling is golden brown.
• Creamy Sauce: Morel mushrooms add depth of flavour to creamy sauces and gravies. Use them in dishes like creamy pasta sauces and mushroom risottos or as a topping for grilled meats.
• Soup: Add sliced morel mushrooms to soups and stews for an extra layer of flavour and texture. They pair well with creamy soups like mushroom bisque or in hearty beef or chicken stews.
• Frying: Dip whole morel mushrooms in a light batter and fry them until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve them as a crispy appetiser or side dish.

Morel Mushrooms Serving Suggestions

• Pasta: Toss sautéed morel mushrooms with cooked pasta, garlic, fresh herbs and a splash of cream for a luxurious and flavourful pasta dish.
• Risotto: Add sliced morel mushrooms to risottos during the last few minutes of cooking to infuse the dish with their earthy flavour. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.
• Steak: Serve sautéed morel mushrooms as a topping for grilled or pan-seared steaks. Their meaty texture and rich flavour complement the savoury notes of the meat.
• Eggs: Incorporate sautéed morel mushrooms into omelettes, frittatas or scrambled eggs for a gourmet breakfast or brunch dish.
• Polenta: Serve sautéed morel mushrooms over creamy polenta for a comforting and hearty vegetarian meal. Top with grated cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavour.
• Grains: Mix sautéed morel mushrooms with cooked grains like farro, barley or quinoa for a nutritious and flavourful side dish.
• Salads: Add sliced morel mushrooms to salads for a unique and earthy twist. Pair them with bitter greens like arugula or radicchio and a tangy vinaigrette for balance.