Adding just a few pieces to the dish shiitakeenriches it with a characteristic “meaty” umami taste. These mushrooms from Asia also contain sweet and salty, nutty, and even spicy and spicy notes. Check, Are shiitake mushrooms healthy and what dishes do they taste best in?
Shiitake mushrooms, also known as Japanese mushroom, Chinese mushroom, or oak mushroom, is a popular ingredient in Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Thai cuisine. They are also bred in the USA and Canada. You can easily find them in stores selling world cuisine products, they also often appear in popular supermarket chains, where they are most often found in the dried version. Shiitake have round, brown caps that are usually 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter, although 20-centimeter specimens also occur. Interestingly, these mushrooms grow on Shii trees. Although they are known primarily for their culinary use, they are also used in natural medicine.
Absolutely yes, shiitake mushrooms have a beneficial effect on the body. They have antibacterial and antiviral properties, support immunity and strengthen the body. Interestingly, in Asian countries, shiitake extract is commonly used to support the immune system. These mushrooms are also believed to have anti-cancer properties. In addition ingredients contained in shiitake have the effect of reducing too high levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood and reduce the risk of circulatory diseases. They have anti-atherosclerotic properties and support the proper condition of blood vessels.
They contain valuable nutrients, including minerals such as:
- B vitaminsthat support the nervous system, circulatory system and metabolic processes occurring in the body,
- vitamin Dhelping to maintain immunity and the condition of the skeletal system,
- potassiumwhich regulates blood pressure and ensures proper water and electrolyte balance,
- calcium and phosphorusstrengthen bones and teeth, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Additionally Shiitake mushrooms have antioxidant propertiessupport the body in the fight against the harmful effects of free radicals, protect against oxidative stress, and also have anti-inflammatory properties. Worth adding toothat shiitake are low-calorie, they contain approx. 30 kcal per 100 g, therefore, they will fit perfectly into the assumptions of a reducing diet.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms are rather difficult to find in Polish stores, but dried ones can be easily found in the Asian products department in almost every supermarket. They are perfect for various soups, stews, stir fry dishes and even salads. They match both meat and vegetarian dishes.
Recipe for Asian soup with shiitake mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of vegetable broth,
- 35 g dried shiitake mushrooms,
- 2 chicken breasts,
- 1 pepper,
- 1 carrot,
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce,
- a pinch of pepper,
- salt to taste,
- a piece of fresh ginger,
- 2 cloves of garlic,
- ½ chili pepper,
- ½ lime,
- 80 ml coconut milk,
- oil or olive oil for frying.
To serve:
- rice noodles or udon,
- spring onion.
Preparation:
- Start by soaking the mushrooms in a small amount of water. It is good to leave them for a few hours or even overnight. Then drain them from the water and cut them into strips.
- In a large pot, fry the chopped garlic, ginger and chili pepper in a little fat.
- After a while, add the diced chicken breast. Fry until lightly browned. Add soy sauce and pepper.
- Add carrots and peppers cut into sticks. Fry for a while. You can add some salt to taste.
- Add the mushrooms along with the water.
- Pour the broth over everything. Cook for about 20 minutes, then reduce the heat. Pour in coconut milk. Add the juice of a squeezed lime.
- Serve with rice or udon noodles and chopped spring onion.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl, arkanasmaku.pl
