Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

Hen of the Woods Mushrooms

Hen of the woods mushrooms, also known as maitake mushrooms, are known for their unique, frond-like appearance and their rich, savory flavor. They are often used in gourmet cooking and are prized for their meaty texture and umami taste.

Brown Butter

Brown butter, or “beurre noisette,” is made by cooking butter until the milk solids turn a deep golden brown, giving it a nutty aroma and flavor. It adds a rich, caramelized taste to dishes.

Sage

Sage is a herb with a strong, earthy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with mushrooms and brown butter. It adds a fragrant and slightly peppery note to the dish.

The Dish

To make this dish, the hen of the woods mushrooms are typically sautéed in brown butter along with fresh sage leaves. The mushrooms are cooked until they are tender and slightly caramelized, and the sage leaves become crispy. The result is a savory, aromatic, and satisfying dish that can be served as a side or even a main course.

One of the best dish you can make using Hen of the woods mushrooms:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare Brown Butter-Sage Hen of the Woods Mushrooms:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Hen of the Woods mushrooms, cleaned and separated into small clusters

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 8-10 fresh sage leaves

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and Prep the Mushrooms:

   • Gently clean the hen of the woods mushrooms with a brush or damp cloth. Avoid washing them under running water as they can become soggy. Separate the mushrooms into small clusters.

2. Brown the Butter:

   • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan occasionally. Once the butter starts to foam and turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes), it’s browned. Be careful not to burn it.

3. Add the Sage:

   • Add the fresh sage leaves to the skillet. Fry them in the brown butter until they become crispy, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the sage leaves and set them aside on a paper towel.

4. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • Add the hen of the woods mushrooms to the skillet with the browned butter. Cook them over medium-high heat until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the mushrooms are cooked, return the crispy sage leaves to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. For a touch of brightness, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• If the mushrooms release a lot of moisture, let it evaporate before the mushrooms start to brown.

• You can pair this dish with a side of crusty bread or use it as a topping for steak or pasta.

Enjoy your culinary creation!