As football fans gear up for the final stages of Euros 2024, the excitement is not just about the matches. For food lovers, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the participating nations. From the host nation Germany, to the newest country to participate in the tournament, Georgia – mushrooms are a feature of nearly every participating country!
Each country brings its unique twist to mushroom dishes, highlighting local flavours, traditions, and cooking techniques. In this blog post, we’ll share some meal ideas that might inspire you to serve while enjoying the matches.
Germany
German cuisine often includes mushrooms in comforting and hearty dishes. “Jägerschnitzel”, a breaded pork cutlet served with a creamy mushroom sauce, is a beloved dish in Germany. The sauce, made with mushrooms, onions, cream, and sometimes bacon, complements the crispy schnitzel perfectly. Mushrooms are also featured in Bratkartoffeln, sautéed potatoes with onions and mushrooms, and in various soups and stews are staples of German home cooking.
France
France is often thought of as the culinary capital of the world and many of their most delicious meals include sauteed mushrooms. In mushroom “Fricassée” mushrooms are cooked with butter, garlic, shallots, white wine, cream, fresh herbs and served as a side dish or as a topping for meats, poultry, or toast. “Champignons à la Crème,” a dish of sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic and herb sauce, is a popular accompaniment to meats and poultry. Mushrooms are also essential in “Quiche aux Champignons,” where they are combined with eggs, cream, and cheese in a delicate pastry crust. In addition, “Velouté aux Champignons,” a velvety mushroom soup, showcases the French talent for creating luxurious, comforting dishes. For a more rustic approach, wild mushrooms, foraged from the countryside, are simply sautéed with butter, garlic, and parsley, highlighting their natural flavours.
Italy
They feature prominently in “Risotto ai Funghi,” a creamy rice dish where mushrooms are sautéed with onions, garlic, and white wine before being slowly cooked with arborio rice and broth, creating a luxurious, comforting meal. In pasta dishes such as “Tagliatelle ai Funghi,” fresh or dried mushrooms are sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then tossed with tagliatelle for a simple yet flavorful dish. Mushrooms also play a key role in “Pizza ai Funghi,” where they are used as a topping alongside mozzarella and tomato sauce, often enhanced with truffle oil for added richness. In “Polenta con Funghi,” mushrooms are cooked in a rich sauce and served over creamy polenta, combining rustic flavours with a comforting texture.
United Kingdom
In the UK, mushrooms are a staple ingredient in classic and comforting dishes. Mushroom Soup, made with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and cream, is a favourite comfort food. Mushrooms are also a key component of a Full English Breakfast, often sautéed with butter and served alongside eggs, bacon, sausage, and tomatoes. Mushroom Pie, with mushrooms, chicken, or other meats in a creamy sauce, encased in a flaky pastry, is another beloved dish.
Georgia
A popular Georgian dish is “Chakapuli,” a flavorful stew typically made with lamb or veal, tarragon, and wild mushrooms, simmered in a white wine sauce that enhances the mushrooms’ umami. Mushrooms are also used in “Pkhali,” a traditional appetiser where finely chopped mushrooms are mixed with ground walnuts, garlic, vinegar, and fresh herbs, creating a vibrant, nutty spread. Additionally, mushrooms often complement khachapuri, the iconic Georgian cheese bread, either incorporated into the filling or served alongside. In rustic soups and hearty stews, mushrooms provide depth and richness, while grilled mushrooms seasoned with local spices offer a simple yet delicious side dish.
Türkiye
Mushrooms are a staple in meze spreads, where dishes like “Mantar Sote” feature sautéed mushrooms cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers, seasoned with herbs and spices, and served as a flavorful appetiser. Mushrooms are also integral to “Kuzu Güveç,” a slow-cooked lamb casserole where they meld with vegetables and meat in a rich tomato-based sauce, infusing the dish with their earthy essence. Additionally, “Mantar Dolması” showcases stuffed mushrooms filled with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then baked to perfection. In pilafs, mushrooms add a depth of flavour, while in soups like “Mantar Çorbası,” they are the star ingredient, providing a creamy, comforting texture. Turkish cuisine often highlights the natural taste of mushrooms, enhancing them with local ingredients like olive oil, yoghurt, and various spices, creating dishes that are both hearty and aromatic.
Portugal
One of the classic uses is in “Arroz de Cogumelos,” a savoury mushroom rice dish where mushrooms are sautéed with garlic, onions, and herbs, then simmered with rice to create a fragrant, earthy meal. Mushrooms also feature prominently in “Sopa de Cogumelos,” a hearty mushroom soup that combines various types of mushrooms with potatoes, leeks, and sometimes a splash of white wine or cream for richness. In the north, wild mushrooms foraged from the forests are a prized ingredient, often simply grilled or sautéed with olive oil and herbs to preserve their natural flavours.
Netherlands
One classic Dutch dish featuring mushrooms is “Paddenstoelensoep,” a creamy mushroom soup often made with a mix of wild and cultivated varieties, enriched with leeks, onions, and a splash of cream for a comforting, velvety texture. Mushrooms also find their way into traditional Dutch stews, such as “Hachee,” where they are simmered alongside beef, onions, and spices, contributing a deep umami taste to the hearty dish. In “Stamppot,” a quintessential Dutch meal of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables, mushrooms add a flavorful twist, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy potatoes. Mushrooms are also enjoyed simply sautéed in butter with garlic and herbs, served as a side dish or atop toast for a quick and satisfying snack.
Whatever team you support, there is plenty of room for enjoying mushrooms during every match!
