Dried mushrooms This is one of the elements without which it is difficult to imagine the pre-Christmas activities in the kitchen. They are an ingredient of the stuffing for dumplings and Christmas Eve bigos, giving these dishes a unique taste. However, not everyone knows how to soak them properly so that they retain their aroma.
Some people pick mushrooms themselves, others choose ready-made mixtures – the latter option is certainly safer if you don’t know anything about mushrooms. It is important that this product comes from a proven source. Once you have purchased dried mushrooms, you can’t immediately prepare Christmas dishes. Proper preparation is necessary.
Start by washing them thoroughly in lukewarm water. Then put the mushrooms into a vessel with boiled warm water – this is where you will soak them. Temperature is of great importance here, so make sure that the water is not cold and there cannot be too much of it, otherwise the natural flavor of the mushrooms will be washed away. There should be enough water to just cover the mushrooms. Importantly, do not pour it out. Be sure to save for later cooking. Stir the mushrooms from time to time – this will help them soak evenly.
Another issue is the soaking time of the mushrooms. Everything depends on the species. Boletes and boletes usually take about two hours to soften properly. Other species may be different and should be observed. Interestingly, some chefs recommend soaking the mushrooms overnight.
Once you have assessed that the mushrooms are soft enough, gently squeeze out the water, but remember not to pour it out. If there are no minor impurities in it, use it for cooking. If necessary, simply strain the mushrooms through a strainer.
And now it’s time for the next step – how long to cook dried mushrooms so that they do not lose their aroma? It usually takes 20-30 minutes for the previously soaked mushrooms to become soft and aromatic. The most important thing is to use the water from soaking them for cooking. Thanks to this, you and your whole family will enjoy the intense taste and smell.
Cook the mushrooms over low heat, covered, until they are perfectly soft. Remember that the larger and harder the mushroom, the longer the cooking time may be.
Source: Terazgotuje.pl
