Foraging for wild mushrooms can be an exciting adventure, and one that yields delicious results! One such mushroom that is highly sought after is the Dryad’s Saddle. Known for its unique appearance and flavorful qualities, this edible mushroom can be found growing on the sides of decaying trees and logs. Today, we’ll explore how to identify this remarkable fungus and create a delightful stuffed mushroom recipe that will impress your family and friends.
Dryad’s Saddle Mushroom
The Dryad’s Saddle mushroom has a characteristic saddle-shaped cap that can be brown or tan in color, often with a distinctive pattern resembling the texture of a dryad’s saddle. These mushrooms can grow quite large, with caps sometimes reaching up to 12 inches across! They are typically found in late spring through early fall, making this the perfect time to venture out with a basket and do some foraging.
Stuffed Dryad’s Saddle Mushrooms Recipe
Once you’ve successfully foraged some Dryad’s Saddle mushrooms, it’s time to whip up a delicious stuffed mushroom dish. Here’s a simple recipe to elevate your foraged finds:
Ingredients:
- 4 large Dryad’s Saddle mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
- 1 cup of finely chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Stuff each Dryad’s Saddle mushroom cap generously with the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of each stuffed mushroom for added crunch.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your savory stuffed Dryad’s Saddle mushrooms as a delightful appetizer or a main dish! Happy foraging and cooking!
source: www.pinterest.co.uk
