How did consumers use this year’s ‘it’ produce item?
With mushrooms nearing the end of an informal year-long reign as the 2022 “Ingredient of the Year,” as forecasted by The New York Times, the Mushroom Council decided to dig a bit deeper into just how consumers have used the vegetable this year.
The Mushroom Council, which represents fresh mushroom producers nationwide, finds it was nourishing soups and sauces, and warm, hearty mains that resonated with mushroom consumers most in 2022.
Over the past year, visitors to MushroomCouncil.com perused hundreds of original and shoppable recipes that showcase mushrooms’ flavor and versatility, says the Mushroom Council.
“Whether the recipe was for breakfast or dinner, simple or complex, blended with protein or made center of the plate, fans made mushrooms the star in their kitchens in 2022,” the Mushroom Council said in a news release.
As the year draws to a close, the Mushroom Council shares the top five most accessed recipes on its site, along with mouthwatering descriptions:
This quick and delicious recipe can be made in under 30 minutes without cream or milk. A mix of butter and flour thicken chicken stock and creates a velvety soup without being too heavy. The combination of crimini and white button mushrooms adds earthy notes that work well with the rich broth.
2. Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Mushrooms aren’t simply tossed into this tasty pasta dish, but rather infused directly into the sauce. A mix of butter, onion, garlic, baby bella mushrooms and cream creates the perfect sauce to add to pappardelle pasta.
3. Mushroom Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy
A 25-75 mushroom-meat blend is the perfect consistency to elevate the classic meatloaf dish, says the Mushroom Council. Button mushrooms and a protein are blended to create the meatloaf and baked for 45 minutes. Once baked, this meatloaf can be topped with savory crimini mushroom gravy.
4. Creamy Spinach, Mushroom and Lasagna Soup
All the comforting flavors of lasagna with less work, this unique lasagna soup is packed with selenium superstars crimini mushrooms, vitamin C-rich tomatoes and spinach, and al dente lasagna noodles. A dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella are added for a delicious, nutrient-dense weeknight meal.
5. Trumpet Mushroom "Scallops" with Brown Butter and Thyme
These vegetarian scallops made from cleverly sliced trumpet mushrooms add a creative twist to the typical seafood dish. The mushroom “scallops” are browned and cooked until tender. A drizzle of nutty, caramelized brown butter and vibrant thyme send them over the top.
For more information and recipe inspiration, visit the Mushroom Council. Share mushroom recipes with @MushroomCouncil on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and @TheMushroomCouncil on TikTok and Pinterest.
