Mushroom-Spelt Sauté

This Mushroom-Spelt Sauté recipe offers a hearty and wholesome dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. The combination of earthy mushrooms, aromatic onions, and hearty grains creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect as a main course or a side dish. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating this delightful sauté using spelt, wheat berries, or barley as a whole-grain alternative to rice.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) package mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup dry sherry or white wine (optional)
• 2 cups cooked spelt, wheat berries, or barley (readily available at health food stores)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Pan: Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers and a small piece of onion sizzles when added to it. This ensures that the pan is hot enough to sauté the ingredients properly.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and chopped garlic to the hot skillet. Season them with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the onion and garlic for approximately 5 minutes, or until they become translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
3. Add the Mushrooms: Incorporate the sliced mushrooms into the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Continue to cook, occasionally stirring, until the mushrooms start to brown. This should take about 5 minutes.
4. Optional Wine or Sherry: If you’d like to add an extra layer of flavor, pour in the dry sherry or white wine at this stage. Allow it to simmer in the pan until it has nearly evaporated, which should take approximately 2-3 minutes. This step infuses the dish with a delightful depth of taste.
5. Incorporate the Grains: Add the pre-cooked spelt, wheat berries, or barley to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the grains are evenly mixed with the other ingredients and heated through. This should take just a few minutes.
6. Season to Taste: Before serving, season the Mushroom-Spelt Sauté with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Mushroom-Spelt Sauté is a delightful dish that brings together the earthy richness of mushrooms, the aromatic sweetness of onions, and the hearty goodness of whole grains. Whether you choose to serve it as a satisfying main course or as a flavorful side dish, this recipe offers a wholesome dining experience that’s both comforting and nutritious.

The choice of using spelt, wheat berries, or barley as a whole-grain alternative to rice adds a unique and wholesome dimension to this sauté. It’s a perfect option for those seeking a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and immensely satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and treat yourself to the delicious taste of Mushroom-Spelt Sauté—you won’t be disappointed!