the Older Bolder Life Friday Feast: Seared Mushrooms with Butter, Garlic, and Herbs

Talking with a client this week by phone and reviewing menu plan options for this fairly innovative home cook (a chef in training actually), we somehow wandered to the topic of searing or sautéing mushrooms.

She agreed with me that searing over higher heat produces very tasty and interesting crusty edges, and finishing in butter with garlic and fresh herbs produces layers of flavor that far exceed the effort involved for this dish. We most often reach for thyme in preparing this one, though my client suggested throwing a rosemary sprig in as well if you happen to have one on hand.

Given supply chain stresses these days, when shopping for a bundle of mushrooms for this cook there weren’t the usual assortment of “fancy mushrooms” available a few days ago at our favorite grocer. Frankly, that doesn’t matter one damn bit, as this recipe works with any fresh mushrooms you can get your hands on, and using a nice grass-fed butter takes it over the top.

And by the way, this is a perfect recipe for that new carbon-steel skillet you’ve recently picked up (or have been eyeing to grab).

1 pound assorted mushrooms, cut into medium to large pieces
2 and 1/2 tbsp avocado or olive oil
2-4 sprigs fresh herbs – thyme and a sprig of rosemary work very well
3 garlic cloves, crushed
5 tbsp grass-fed butter, cut into pieces
Good salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Heat the oil in your trusty carbon-steel or cast-iron skillet over medium high heat, layer the prepped mushrooms in the skillet in a single layer and then don’t touch them for 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and beginning to caramelize.

Season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss and turn the mushrooms until golden brown on all sides; I often turn the heat down a bit here to keep them from catching or scorching. This should take only another 3-4 minutes.

Now turn the heat down to medium-low, add the thyme (or other herbs), garlic, and butter pieces to the skillet, and spoon the melted butter over the mushrooms for another 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for the butter to begin to brown a bit, watch carefully and note the butter should almost smell nutty when it’s ready.

Adjust for salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Enjoy.