Zapiekanka with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), sliced 4 cups (500g) mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
• 4 slices of rustic sourdough bread 4 slices of rustic sourdough bread
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic aioli for drizzling (optional) Garlic aioli for drizzling (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Place the slices of sourdough bread on a baking sheet. Divide the caramelized onions evenly among the slices.
5. 5.
   Top the onions with the sautéed mushrooms, followed by the grated cheese.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with crispy bacon, a drizzle of garlic aioli (if desired), and fresh parsley.
8. 8.
   Serve the Zapiekanka hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms properly before slicing. If using oyster mushrooms, remove the tough stems.
• Bacon — For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with vegetarian bacon.
• Garlic aioli — You can make your own garlic aioli by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different types of mushrooms to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Add a sprinkle of dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance the aroma.
• For a spicier kick, add a few slices of jalapeno or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking.
• Serve with a side of pickles or sauerkraut for a traditional Polish touch.
• Zapiekanka is a versatile dish, so feel free to customize the toppings to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the Zapiekanka as a main course for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a bowl of tomato soup.

Presentation advice

To make the Zapiekanka visually appealing, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of garlic aioli. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic plate for a cozy and inviting presentation.