| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 8g | 2g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 7g | 0.30g |
Why I Love Italian Crostini with Porcini Mushrooms and Thyme
When it comes to simplicity meeting elegance, few recipes can hold a candle to the Italian classic, Crostini with Porcini Mushrooms and Thyme. The earthiness of fresh porcini mushrooms combined with the aromatic thyme and sharpness of parmesan are a testament to the genius of Italian cuisine, and perfectly showcase how basic ingredients can yield a dish that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
A life-long fan of rustic Italian cooking, this recipe brings me back to travels in the Umbria region of Italy, a place where simplicity in cooking methods makes way for robust, earthy flavors. It reminds me fondly of dishes from chefs like Guido Riccio, a master Italian chef known for his reverence for local, fresh ingredients.
The ‘Perfect Pairing’ Principle
Pairing this delectable Crostini with Porcini Mushrooms and Thyme with a light yet dry Italian white wine (perhaps a Soave or a Vermentino), enhances its flavors and brings a further depth to the overall experience. It’s a tantalizing dance of flavors and textures that is meant to not only satiate but also stimulate your senses.
The Versatility of the Crostini
One of the aspects I adore about this dish is its versatility. It dances beautifully as a standalone dish, and it also pairs well with a simple salad or a hearty tomato soup. In New York City, where I’m from, food is all about fusion. In this respect, this crostini recipe serves as the perfect culinary chameleon, adapting beautifully to myriad dinner courses and different styles of cuisine.
Finally, the process of sauteeing the mushrooms with garlic and thyme in a splash of wine is a sensory experience that needs to be savored. The aroma that wafts through the kitchen is enough to transport even the most weary of minds to a tranquil Italian countryside.
Therefore, in its entirety, this Crostini with Porcini Mushrooms and Thyme impressively stands at the intersection of simplicity and sophistication, making it a dish that I, Ethan Brown, am truly besotted with.
What You’ll Need
- 12 slices of crusty Italian bread
- 1 lb fresh porcini mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves stripped and chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Step Two
In the meanwhile, clean the porcini mushrooms by brushing off any visible dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms thinly.
Step Three
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until it becomes fragrant.
Step Four
Add the sliced porcini mushrooms to the skillet with the garlic. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir everything together and cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to turn golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Five
Raise the heat to high and pour in the dry white wine. Let it simmer until the wine has reduced by half. Stir in the chopped thyme leaves.
Step Six
Take the toasted bread slices out of the oven. Top each slice evenly with the mushroom mixture.
Step Seven
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the mushroom-topped bread slices. Return the bread to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Step Eight
Remove from the oven and let the crostini cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious Crostini with Porcini Mushrooms and Thyme while they’re still warm.
