Moldovan Mushroom Stew

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed mushrooms (button, porcini, chanterelles) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed mushrooms (button, porcini, chanterelles)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 10g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cook for another 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaves.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Remove the bay leaves before serving.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with polenta or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp cloth or a soft brush to remove any dirt. Avoid soaking them in water as they can become waterlogged and lose their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the stew while simmering.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew towards the end of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Moldovan Mushroom Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with a side of creamy polenta or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

Present the Mushroom Stew in a rustic clay pot or a deep serving bowl. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve with a side of polenta or crusty bread on a wooden platter to enhance the traditional feel.