Ingredient Spotlight: Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms are also know as ‘Baby Bella’ or ‘Baby Portobella’ mushrooms.  They are a more mature version of the typical white button mushroom (which is why they are darker, firmer, and more flavorful) but not quite as mature as the portobella mushroom.  Because of their age they are browner in color, have a firmer texture, and a richer flavor than their younger white mushroom siblings.  They are not as hearty as the portobella but also not as expensive.  Because of that, I find them to be great to use in a variety of dishes!

There is a lot of back and forth about the cleaning of mushrooms.  Some feel that using water to clean them is fine while others think that in doing so minimizes the flavor (due to mushrooms being porous and getting water-logged).  Personally I gently wipe my mushrooms off with a clean, damp cloth to remove the dirt.

Below are some great dishes from Green Door Hospitality that include Cremini Mushrooms.  Simply click on the image to be taken to recipe!