Mediterranean Shallot & Garlic Mushrooms
This showstopping dish features tender baby bella and white button mushrooms cooked with fragrant shallots, garlic, cinnamon, thyme, and paprika, then simmered in broth and finished with fresh parsley. It’s rich, umami-packed, slightly sweet, and utterly luxurious—fine-dining flavors in just 30 minutes .
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 minutes (mostly peeling shallots & garlic)
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lb (450 g) shallots, peeled
20 garlic cloves, peeled
1 lb (450 g) baby bella mushrooms, halved
½ lb (225 g) white mushrooms, halved
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cinnamon sticks
½ tsp sweet paprika (or harissa for heat)
1 cup low-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
(Optional topping)
1 cup ricotta cheese + zest of 1 lemon + drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
1. Prep Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and ghee over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Cook Shallots & Garlic:
Add all shallots, garlic, thyme sprigs, and cinnamon sticks. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and shallots soften .
3. Sauté Mushrooms:
Raise heat to medium-high. Add mushrooms and a splash more olive oil if needed. Cook ~5 minutes, stirring, until mushrooms begin to brown. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (or harissa) .
4. Simmer:
Pour in broth. Bring to a simmer and cook ~10 minutes until liquid is nearly gone, coating mushrooms richly .
5. Finish & Garnish:
Stir in fresh parsley, discard thyme stems and cinnamon. Remove from heat.
6. Serve:
Optionally top with lemon-zested ricotta mixed with olive oil. Serve warm, spooned over couscous, grains, or crusty bread .
Notes & Tips
Prep shortcut: Soak shallots/garlic in water for 30 minutes to ease peeling .
Make ahead: Store in the fridge (without ricotta) up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed .
Flavor tweaks: Swap paprika for harissa for a spicy kick.
Serve suggestions: Perfect atop couscous, grains, or as a meaty vegetarian side.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Can I skip cinnamon?
Yes—but it adds a subtle sweetness and layer that elevates the dish.
Any vegan version?
Omit ghee or replace with vegan butter. For ricotta topping, try vegan ricotta or a creamy tahini drizzle.
Can I use other mushrooms?
Absolutely—button, cremini, oyster, or mixed mushrooms all work beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Protein:12g
Carbohydrates:43g
Fats:23g
Calories:49g
Fiber: 15g
Sodium 40g