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–+ servings
Smoky Mushrooms and Cheesy Grits – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Smoky Mushrooms and Cheesy Grits

A contemporary, vegetarian take on a traditional Southern BBQ favorite, swapping shrimp for meaty king oyster mushrooms served over creamy white cheddar grits. This dish delivers all the comfort and soul of the original.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 2 to 4 serving
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE SMOKY MUSHROOMS
  • 1 pound (450 g / 15.9 oz) king oyster mushrooms, wiped clean
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g / 1.06 oz) smoky BBQ dry rub
  • 6 tablespoons (90 ml / 3 fl oz) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • ¼ cup (40 g / 1.41 oz) chopped garlic, divided
  • ¼ cup (40 g / 1.41 oz) chopped shallots, divided
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) dry white wine
  • ½ cup (75 g / 2.65 oz) diced tomato
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g / 0.99 oz) butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • FOR THE CHEESY GRITS
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable stock
  • 1 cup (170 g / 6 oz) cooked hominy grits (or 1/4 cup uncooked grits prepared according to package directions)
  • ¾ to 1 cup / 180 to 240ml heavy cream
  • 6 tablespoons (30 g / 1.06 oz) grated white cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g / 0.99 oz) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g / 0.28 oz) chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • FOR GARNISH
  • ½ cup (50 g / 1.76 oz) sliced scallions, white and tender green parts
  • for Perfect Results
  • For the best 'meaty' texture, use a fork to shred the king oyster mushrooms lengthwise before marinating. This increases the surface area for browning and soaking up the sauce.
  • Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the mushrooms. This allows them to get a beautiful, caramelized sear rather than just steaming in the pan.
  • For an extra layer of smoky flavor, add a ¼ teaspoon of liquid smoke or a ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mushrooms along with the dry rub.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the mushrooms by shredding them lengthwise with a fork to create a pulled texture, or slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.
  2. In a bowl, combine the mushrooms with the BBQ dry rub and 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) of the oil.
  3. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
  4. To start the grits, heat a saucepan over medium heat.
  5. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) oil, half (2 tablespoons / 30 ml / 1 fl oz) of the garlic, and half (2 tablespoons / 30 ml / 1 fl oz) of the shallots.
  6. Cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  7. Add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
  8. Add the cooked grits and cook, stirring constantly, until the stock has been absorbed and the mixture is thick, about 10 minutes.
  9. Set aside.
  10. Heat a large sauté pan over high heat.
  11. Add the marinated mushrooms in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sauté until golden brown and slightly crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
  12. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) garlic and 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) shallots, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
  13. Then add the tomato, swirl in 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of the butter, and season with salt and pepper.
  14. Set aside.
  15. Return the grits to medium heat.
  16. Add the cream in ¼-cup increments, stirring constantly, until the texture is smooth and creamy.
  17. Stir in the white cheddar cheese, the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) butter, and the fresh parsley; heat through until the cheese is melted.
  18. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  19. To serve, spoon the cheesy grits into 2 to 4 serving bowls and top with the smoky mushrooms.
  20. Garnish generously with the sliced scallions.
  21. Don't rush the grits.
  22. Stir them constantly as you add the cream to prevent lumps and achieve the smoothest, most luxurious consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 45g

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