How to Make and Use Dried Porcini Mushrooms

To dry porcini mushrooms, slice them into uniform pieces before placing them in a food dehydrator. Allow them to dry for eight to ten hours at 105°F. Once they are brittle, store them in an airtight container or grind them into mushroom powder and keep in a cool, dry place.

How to Dehydrate Porcini Mushrooms

Follow these simple steps to make perfect dried porcini mushrooms:

1. Remove dirt from the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth. Avoid waterlogging the mushrooms by rinsing them.
2. Slice the mushrooms into small pieces that are 1/4 inch thick.
3. Lay your cut porcini slices on a food dehydrator tray in a single layer for even drying.
4. Set the dehydrator temperature to 105°F, and place the mushrooms inside.
5. Check on the porcini mushrooms every two hours. Once they are completely brittle, remove them from the dehydrator and allow them to come to room temperature.
6. Store them in a labeled, airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place.

Creamy Pasta with Dried Porcini Mushrooms Recipe

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• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Description

Want a simple but delicious Italian dish to impress your friends at dinner parties? The dried porcini mushrooms in this recipe are the star of this creamy, elegant dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion
• 1 pound of dried pasta
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of boiling water for the pasta.
2. While the water boils, dice your onion and set aside.
3. Rehydrate your porcini mushrooms by covering them in a small bowl with 2 cups of boiling water. Soak for 20 minutes.
4. Drain your rehydrated porcinis, keeping the soaking liquid separate from the mushrooms.
5. Dice the mushrooms.
6. Melt the butter in a pan on the stove. When it starts to foam, add the onions and saute for 7 minutes or until they start to brown.
7. Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes.
8. Add the reserved soaking liquid. Simmer for 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half.
9. Add the cream to the mixture and stir for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
10. Meanwhile, cook your dried pasta in salted, boiling water for 9 to 10 minutes. Drain your pasta.
11. Toss the pasta, sauce, and parmesan together. Serve, and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 814kcal
• Sugar: 4.7g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 85g
• Fiber: 5.6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 960mg

How Do You Use Dried Porcini Mushrooms?

Once rehydrated, your dehydrated wild porcini mushrooms can be used the same as fresh mushrooms in a variety of dishes. You can make mushroom sauce from them or use them in stuffing for braised meat.

You can also create easy meals for backpacking and camping. Throw them into a container with powdered pasta sauce, dried pasta, dehydrated bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes for an instant Italian dish.

Due to their meaty flavor and protein content, porcini mushrooms also work really well as a gluten-free meat substitute for vegetarians. Dried mushrooms can be used in stews, stir-fries, and even lasagna as an alternative to beef.

What is the Best Way to Cook Dried Porcini Mushrooms?

Before cooking dried porcini mushrooms, you must first rehydrate them.

Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Leave them to soak for roughly twenty minutes.

Strain the mushrooms. Separate and reserve the liquid. This soaking liquid will have a strong porcini flavor and can be used as a flavored base in recipes such as porcini mushroom risotto or mushroom soup!

What Does a Dried Porcini Mushroom Taste Like?

Porcini mushrooms have a meaty texture and taste. Words like ‘earthy’ and ‘woodsy’ are often used to describe the flavor of a porcini mushroom. They are said to have a subtle nutty flavor.

It’s important to note that porcinis don’t have as strong an umami flavor as other mushrooms, such as shiitakes.

What is the Difference Between Fresh and Dried Porcini Mushrooms?

The color, texture, and appearance of fresh and dried porcini mushrooms differ.

Fresh porcini mushrooms have a rubbery texture and are light brown in color. They have a classic ‘mushroom’ look, with a toadstool shape that makes them look rustic and appealing.

Dried porcini mushrooms are brittle – more like a cracker or thick potato chip than a mushroom! They have a wrinkled appearance and are often chopped before drying, losing the traditional mushroom shape. The loss of water content darkens the color of the mushroom significantly.

How Long Do Dried Porcini Mushrooms Last?

Dried porcini mushrooms have a shelf life of ten months to one year. To maximize the shelf life, they should be stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dark, and dry room. You can also refrigerate or freeze them in vacuum-seal bags, which will increase their shelf life.