February • 2024
FOOD HEROES & FEEL GOOD RECIPES
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Small but Mighty: Savour the Season with Canadian Mushrooms
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LEVATE YOUR WINTER DISHES with a single, homegrown Canadian ingredient that brings a fresh twist to your meals: mushrooms! Packed with flavour and nutrients, mushrooms are bonafide powerhouses for your health. With low calorie, sodium, and fat content, these fungi are a guilt-free enhancement to any dish. Cholesterol-free and rich in selenium and B vitamins, mushrooms are essential for a healthy body and mind. Mushrooms are also the only source of vitamin D found in the produce aisle, a must for any time of year, but especially in the midst of Canadian winter. Thanks to their unique blend of nutrients, antioxidants, and immune-supporting properties, mushrooms can also play a role in managing a range of health issues, from blood pressure to arthritis. Mushrooms not only elevate the nutritional value but also add excitement to your favourite robust recipes. Surprisingly, each mushroom variety boasts a distinct flavour profile. White mushrooms, the nationwide favourite, offer a versatile, woodsy flavour that complements nearly any dish, making them a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner. On the flip side, shiitake mushrooms bring a savoury umami taste, enhancing stir-fries, stews, and soups to maximize the nutritional benefits of your winter meals. With a variety ranging from SLOW COOKER CHILI WITH A MUSHROOM TWIST earthy to woodsy, delicate to meaty, mushrooms cater to all tastes. Canada's mushrooms stand out for both sustainability and nutritional value. Grown from coast to coast, these remarkable The only thing better than a bowl of homemade chili is one that was made with minimal effort. This Slow fungi travel minimal distances to reach your local grocery store. Cooker Chili is flavourful and satisfying, a comforting treat for your taste buds. Crimini mushrooms are the star of this hearty meal, with a savoury blend of seasonings that bring out the earthy and delicious Thriving indoors year-round, mushrooms are a consistent, afflavour. Let the slow cooker do the work, and savour every spoonful of this flavour-packed chili. fordable, and eco-friendly food source, offering value from the sunniest summer days to the frostiest winter nights. Discover countless ways to make the most of mushrooms, bulk up Ingredients Directions your portions, and add heartiness to your meals! For recipes, tips, and • 8 oz fresh crimini mushrooms 1 Place the mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a insights into Canadian mushrooms, explore mushrooms.ca. • 1 onion, chopped food processor fitted with a metal blade. • 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 Pulse until finely chopped. • 1/2 lb lean ground beef, crumbled 3 Combine the mushroom mixture, ground • 1 green pepper, finely chopped beef, green pepper, red pepper, and beans in • 1 red pepper, finely chopped a slow cooker. • 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed 4 Stir the diced tomatoes with the tomato paste, • 1 can diced tomatoes chili powder, seasoning blend, cumin, and • 1 can tomato paste salt until well combined. • 2 tbsp chili powder 5 Pour the tomato mixture into the slow cooker. • 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves 6 Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 10 hours. • 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves 7 Garnish and serve! • 1/4 tsp dried minced garlic • 1/4 tsp dried minced onion Tip: Garnish with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and • 1 tsp ground cumin green onion, and serve with tortilla chips or in a • 1 tsp salt bread bowl for a fun and tasty dinner. MUSHROOM SOUP AU GRATIN TO WARM YOUR WINTER Soup and winter go hand in hand, and mushrooms only make this partnership stronger. This soul-warming Mushroom Soup Au Gratin is a savoury blend of assorted fresh mushrooms, aromatic onions, and garlic in a rich chicken broth. This recipe, enhanced with a touch of lemon rind, nutmeg, and pepper, is a welcome dish on a cold night.
© IMAGES COURTESY OF MUSHROOMS CANADA
Ingredients
Directions
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 12 oz sliced assorted fresh mushrooms (white, crimini, portabella, shiitake, oyster) • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • 6 cups chicken broth • 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind • 1/4 tsp each ground nutmeg and pepper • 4 slices French bread (1/2"/2.5 cm thick) toasted • 4 oz grated or sliced Swiss cheese • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat; sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic for about 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned. 2 Add chicken broth, lemon rind, nutmeg, and pepper. 3 Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered for 20 to 30 minutes. 4 Ladle soup into 4 deep oven-proof bowls. 5 Float bread on top; sprinkle with Swiss cheese and Parmesan if using. 6 Place under broiler until bubbly and lightly browned. Serve and enjoy.
MUSHROOMS MAKE MEALS BETTER
