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Quick & Easy Mushroom Appetizer

A bright, tangy dish of poached mushrooms in a zesty oil and vinegar dressing, perfect as a healthy snack or side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side
Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the mushroom poaching
  • 12–16 oz cremini mushrooms, cleaned with stems on
  • 4 cloves garlic, divided (2 smashed, 2 minced)
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, plus 1 tsp chopped leaves, divided
  • 1 small sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 leaves bay leaves, divided
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for poaching water)
For the marinade
  • 1/4 cup finely diced shallot
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp red vinegar
  • 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2–1 cup quartered artichoke hearts
  • 1–2 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Method
 

Poaching the mushrooms
  1. Fill a medium pot with 4–5 cups of water. Add the smashed garlic, thyme sprigs, rosemary, and 1 bay leaf.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3–5 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
  4. Drain well and set aside.
Making the marinade
  1. In a large non-metal bowl, combine the minced garlic, remaining bay leaf, shallot, olive oil, white vinegar, red vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, chopped thyme, parsley, red onion, and artichoke hearts.
  2. Whisk until the mixture is evenly blended.
  3. Add the warm mushrooms to the bowl and gently coat them in the marinade.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding lemon juice if you’d like extra brightness.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes; for deeper flavor, chill for 8 hours or overnight. Stir occasionally.
Serving suggestions
  1. Let the mushrooms come to room temperature before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with additional parsley.

Notes

This appetizer fits well with many proteins or salads and can be served cold or at room temperature. It is great for meal prep and keeps up to 10 days in the fridge.