If I had not tried this for myself, I would NEVER have believed it! Taking dried shiitake mushrooms, grinding them to a powder and then using them as a seasoning! It adds an incredible oomph to recipes. Add a tablespoon to a cup of pasta sauce that is cooking see the difference in the richness of the sauce. I learnt about this from Eric Gower – an excellent food writer and blogger. Thank you so much, Eric.
You can check out my post on this and other mushroom powders here. Read it and then try Eric's recipe for crusting a steak with dried shiitake powder and then cooking it. The steak is served topped with caramelized shallots. What is there not to love?
thank you for this post…..everything about it sounds great and can’t wait to try it myself.
great idea! mushrooms are one of my all time favorite ingredients, so i love finding new ways to use them – thanks!
we love our mushroom in all forms…i recently saw some dry mushroom packets in the supermarket here n’ had no idea what they were meant for….this post of yours has definitely given me an idea to use them…:)
Wow! I feel like bursting out into a rendition of the Halleluiah chorus. What an inspired idea. I’ve got to try this
Oh my what an amazing idea! I love dried shitake mushrooms in so many things. Hubby likes the flavor, but can’t stand biting into a mushroom. What an awesome way to get the flavor without chunks of mushroom. Perfect for things like that steak, for sauces, etc!
A few years back I paid $9.00 US for a small tin of “Mushroom Rub.” It was addicting but seemed ridiculously expensive, so it occurred to me that I could make it myself! Monica, you’re right on the money. I always have a batch in my cupboard. I like mixing the powdered mushrooms with a good quality smoked paprika and some garlic powder. Of course the combinations are endless.
2 tips for people who want to try this: shop for dried shitakes at Asian grocery stores, they’re MUCH cheaper and come in larger packages than regular markets. Also, try it in scrambled eggs & omelettes, yummy!
Thanks for the post!