Veggie Meat

No, not Vege-MITE – that’s Erin's job. I’m talking about vegetable meat…the Portobello mushroom!

I have always loved burgers and Portobello mushrooms. Problem is I never made a mushroom sandwich for myself before a year ago. That’s because I’ve always preferred to make myself a beef burger.

I started experimenting with those big mushrooms when I committed myself to eating healthier. And, I learned that not only is it super easy to grill/sauté a mushroom, but it is super delish! Plus, here’s the cool part, I don’t feel so heavy and weighed down as I would after eating a burger! Thus, this meal has become a staple in our house. (Not sure the kids have caught on yet, but there's hope.)

Plus, here are some fun facts about mushrooms:

• 1 medium Portobello mushroom contains more potassium than a banana.
• Mushrooms are a rich source of riboflavin, niacin, and selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that works with vitamin E to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
• Research shows that people who swap out beef for a mushroom consumed 400 fewer calories.
• Mushrooms contain 80-90% water and are very low in calories.
• They have very little sodium and fat, and 8-10% of the dry weight is fiber.
• Mushrooms are the only known vegetable that contains Vitamin D in edible form.
• Mushrooms provide you with lean protein.
• They are rich in calcium and iron.
• Do you need anymore reasons to give mushrooms a try?
  
  Whatcha need:
  
  -1 full Portobello mushroom or 3-4 mushroom slices (Depends how your grocery store sells them.)
  -1 whole grain hamburger bun
  -A slice or two of roasted red peppers (drained and patted to remove excess liquid)
  -A handful of greens (I like spinach or a spring mix)
  

Optional items:
-A spread (I often use Almond-Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.)
-A slice of mozzarella cheese (Despite my vegan tendencies, this is actually reeeeally yummy with it .)

Whatcha do:

1. Wash the mushroom and pull off the stem.
2. Brush both sides with ~1 tsp of olive oil.
3.

a. Saute in a lightly oiled pan on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side. (You can tell that it’s done when it starts to feel “soft” and gets a bit darker in color.)

OR

b. Grill on the BBQ for a similar amount of time. (This is pretty tasty.)

4. Put all of the above ingredients together to make a sandwich.

5. I’ve been known to add the following as sides:
a. Grilled corn on the cob
b. Green salad
c. Sweet potato fries
d. Apple slices

Tip: Chopped Portobello mushrooms also make a GREAT pizza topping!

What is your favorite way to eat Portobello mushrooms?

Cheers, Jeannie

PS: So sorry that I've been out of touch with you all. I have been working more than usual and we had family in town for almost two weeks. I hope I can get back in the game this week! Stay tuned.