Marinated Mushrooms

Here's another dish that we served at Hendrik's party - Marinated Mushrooms. I love Marinated Mushrooms and I've been making them since I was a teenager. I used to marinate them raw, but for many years, I've been sautéing them first, which I think gives them a much richer flavor. This is one of the easiest appetizers, ever! All you do is take fresh Cremini Mushrooms and cook them with Garlic slices very briefly in some Olive Oil. Then you add a marinade of either Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice along with some Thyme. This is an herb that I think was made to go with Mushrooms and I usually leave a few sprigs whole to garnish on the top. You let it sit for a few hours and you have a tasty and addictive appetizer!

Marinated Mushrooms

2 pounds Cremini Mushrooms, washed, cut stems off and then cut into quarters

2 large Garlic Cloves, peeled and sliced thin

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar (or fresh Lemon Juice)

1/4 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon fresh Thyme Leaves (plus a few extra sprigs)

 Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic slices in Olive Oil for about 3 minutes. Remove and place in a bowl.  Add Red Wine Vinegar (or Lemon Juice), Salt and Thyme.  Stir well and cover for several hours in the refrigerator.  Place extra Thyme sprigs on top before serving.

Five Element Analysis

Mushrooms belong to the Earth Element. The Garlic and Thyme contribute the Metal Element.  The Red Wine Vinegar brings in the Wood Element.  The small amounts of Salt and Thyme bring in just a hint of the Water and Metal Elements and more Metal comes from the Garlic. The Wood Element is represented but the Olive Oil and Vinegar. But, the Fire Element is missing so adding dishes like Roasted Peppers or Tomato Bruschetta   would be good and another Watery food, like Eggplant Caponata like we did made it a balanced Appetizer spread just perfect for the party!