Hubei-style Mushroom and Pancake Casserole

Ingredients

While the original Croatian dish, Purica s mlincima, features turkey and thin pasta sheets called "mlinci," this Hubei-style adaptation replaces the turkey with mushrooms and the pasta sheets with pancakes. The spices and flavors are also adjusted to suit the Hubei cuisine, incorporating garlic, ginger, and scallions for a distinct taste. We alse have the original recipe for Purica s mlincima, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed fresh mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, etc.) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed fresh mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 pancakes (store-bought or homemade) 8 pancakes (store-bought or homemade)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Clean and slice the mushrooms.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced scallions to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. 7.
   Grease a baking dish and place a layer of pancakes at the bottom.
8. 8.
   Spread half of the mushroom mixture over the pancakes.
9. 9.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining pancakes and mushroom mixture.
10. 10.
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. 11.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the pancakes are golden and crispy.
12. 12.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly and slice them evenly for even cooking.
• Pancakes — If using store-bought pancakes, choose thin and tender ones. If making homemade pancakes, ensure they are thin and lightly cooked.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, on top before serving.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms to vary the flavors and textures of the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mushroom mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Hubei-style Mushroom and Pancake Casserole as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or tofu.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the casserole with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve it in individual portions or present it family-style in the baking dish.