Blend & extend: A new take on plant-based eating
As plant-based foods continue to grow in popularity, everyone is looking to fit more veggies into their diet. Mushrooms can easily be mixed into many of your favourite family meals, including tacos, pasta and burgers.
Finely chopped mushrooms mix in well with any ground meat because they are high in umami flavour and because their texture easily imitates the taste and consistency of ground meat. Not to mention, mushrooms are high in nutrients and low in calories, great for turning any meal into a healthier option.
Try out the blend and extend recipes below they are as simple as two easy steps:
STEP 1: MUSHROOMS FOR BLENDING
½ lb. (500 g) mushrooms
1 small onion, diced
Place mushrooms in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook chopped mushrooms and onions, stirring until browned and most moisture has been released, around 5 minutes.
Set aside to let cool.
STEP 2: EXTEND GROUND MEAT WITH MUSHROOMS
Mix the mushrooms into your favourite dish.
BLENDED BURGERS
In a large bowl, stir mushroom mix with 1lb ground beef, 1 clove minced garlic, ½ cup breadcrumbs and 1 egg. Form into six patties; cook either on the barbecue or stovetop at medium heat for 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Serve on buns with toppings of your choice.
CHEESEBURGER QUESADILLAS
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir in ½ pound lean ground beef, 1 clove minced garlic and the mushroom mix. Cook for 8 minutes or until ground beef is cooked through. Place one tortilla in the bottom of a grill pan over medium heat. Sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded cheese, sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, diced dill pickles and meat mixture. Top with the second tortilla. Carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from skillet and cut into wedges. Repeat to make four quesadillas total. Serve topped with fresh shredded lettuce, ketchup and mustard.
BLENDED MEATBALLS
In a large bowl, combine the mushroom mix, 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 clove minced garlic, ½ cup breadcrumbs and 1 egg; mix ingredients until incorporated. Shape mixture into 1½ inch meatballs. Place on foil lined tray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. – MC