Chechen Forest Sauce

Ingredients

The Chechen Forest Sauce is an adaptation of the French Sauce Forestière. While the original French version primarily uses cultivated mushrooms, the Chechen version incorporates a variety of wild mushrooms found in the forests of Chechnya. Additionally, the Chechen Forest Sauce includes traditional Chechen herbs and spices, which give it a unique flavor profile distinct from its French counterpart. We alse have the original recipe for Sauce forestière, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) wild mushrooms (such as porcini, chanterelle, or oyster mushrooms) 500g (1.1 lb) wild mushrooms (such as porcini, chanterelle, or oyster mushrooms)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon flour 1 tablespoon flour
• 250ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth 250ml (1 cup) beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Clean the wild mushrooms and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Gradually pour in the broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens.
8. 8.
   Stir in the sour cream, fresh dill, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. 10.
    Remove from heat and serve the Chechen Forest Sauce warm over your favorite dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Wild mushrooms — Ensure that the wild mushrooms are thoroughly cleaned before using them in the recipe. Remove any dirt or debris and trim the stems if necessary.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find wild mushrooms, you can use a combination of cultivated mushrooms such as cremini or button mushrooms.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less broth according to your preference.
• Serve the Chechen Forest Sauce over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Chechen Forest Sauce warm over your favorite dishes, such as grilled steak, roasted chicken, or mashed potatoes. It also pairs well with rice or pasta.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Chechen Forest Sauce with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley before serving to add a pop of color. Serve it in a small bowl or drizzle it over the main dish for an elegant presentation.