Mushrooms ARE magic! As these incredibly healthy vegan mushroom recipes prove
By Lora O’Brien
It seems some of us hate ’em, while others can’t live without ’em. But no matter what side of the fence you’re own, there’s little doubt that ‘shrooms are the new elixir of life.
They contain a potent mix of beneficial vitamins and minerals, and are great for our skin and hair. Eating mushrooms can even help prevent diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer! They contain protein, fibre, vitamins C, D and B complexes. Plus, unlike most veggies, they actually increase in vitamin C content when cooked!
Neither a fruit or a vegetable, mushrooms are fungi that can be used in a variety of ways. But before you go foraging for mushrooms and chow down on some potentially poisonous varieties, let me guide you towards the best varieties you can consume to not only add a wonderful flavour and texture to your food, but to also overhaul your health.
The Health Benefits Of Different Mushrooms
Reishi: Loaded with ganoderic acid, reishi can help to service your body and give it a well-needed reboot. It reduces cholesterol, helps to lower high blood pressure, is antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and an anti-cancer fighting fungus.
Shiitake: These are a brilliant source of vitamin D. They also contain lentinan, which is a natural anti-cancer compound. And if you’re looking to halt wrinkles, they’re a wonderful anti-ageing agent, too.
Oyster: Oyster mushrooms are rich in protein, alongside vitamin B and fibre. They also contain a small amount of magnesium, zinc and selenium, a powerful mineral that can give the body a boost.
Porcini: These mushrooms work to fight inflammation. The fungus food contains a compound called ergosterol, which attacks enemy cells within the body.
Chaga: Chaga mushrooms have super high antioxidant levels, making it one of the most potent of superfoods. Additionally, chaga can also help with diabetes, cardiovascular health, immune health and lowering cholesterol.
White Button: The world’s most commonly eaten variety has been linked to the prevention of both breast and prostate cancer.
Black Truffle: Not only does a tiny dash of truffle oil give food a distinctly gourmet flavour, it also contains a ‘bliss molecule’ which gives us those feel-good vibes!
Ways To Benefit From Mushrooms In Your Diet
I’m not gonna lie – there are a lot of people out there who hate mushrooms. They find them slimy (apparently) and taste of ‘earth’. But the health benefits of mushrooms are so incredible, everyone should try to reap them!
If you’re not a fungi fan, no worries. You can drink ’em down in mushroom ‘coffee’ based drinks. Some of these, like Four Sigmatic, actually contain coffee, whilst others, like MUD\WTR are based on (and taste like) cacao.
You can make a hot drink from this powder, and add some steamed mylk for a delish latte. The Immunity Mushroom Blend combines the immunity-supporting power of eight medicinal mushrooms, including cordyceps, known for its stamina-boosting abilities, and lion’s mane, which is associated with cognitive health. Not a fan of lattes? You can even sprinkle it onto smoothies, or in granola. No need to cook up some mushies! But if you’re into fungi, you’re gonna love these vegan mushroom recipes, below!
Vegan Mushroom Recipes You’ll Love
1. Coconut Adaptogenic Mushroom Latté
Think that adding mushroom to your morning latté will taste of mushrooms? Think again! This healing beverage tastes like caramel and is packed full of medicinal shrooms, herbs and blended with creamy coconut milk. Yum!
Get the recipe here.
2. Delicious Chaga Cacao Smoothie
Love a smoothie? Why not give it an antioxidant boost by adding in some chaga powder? Not only will this healing potion taste delicious and leave you feeling wonderfully revived, it will also help to rejuvenate skin leaving you glowing. Perfect for brunches!
Get the recipe here.
3. Korean Mushroom Porridge
Most of us associate porridge with fruit and cinnamon. But why not reinvent your bowl with this savoury recipe? The oats are infused with stock and an array of aromatic flavours, making it anything but bland. This is one of the best vegan mushroom recipes for cold autumn mornings!
Get the recipe here.
4. Porcini Mushrooms Risotto
Risotto is one of the most classic of all the vegan mushroom recipes! The porcini mushrooms give this risotto a deep, earthy flavour that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine. And it’s easily made vegan by subbing the butter for a vegan butter, and swapping the parmesan for a vegan alternative.
Get the recipe here.
5. Portobello Mushroom & Cashew Cheese Burgers
I LOVE me a veggie bean burger! But more often than not I’m left feeling sluggish afterwards – ugh! Portobello mushrooms make perfect buns for this ‘burger’ recipe, whilst providing a meat-like texture. Plus the cashew cheese is wonderfully gooey and tasty as heck! It’s one of those vegan mushroom recipes that’s perfect for picnics.
Get the recipe here.
6. Smoky Roasted Portobello Sushi Rolls
Bored of vegetable sushi? You’ll love these mushroom rolls. The portobellos add a smoky flavour which blends smoothly with the creaminess of the heart of palm and crisp green onions. Personally, I also love the combo of ‘shrooms with soy sauce.
Get the recipe here.
7. Garlic Mushroom Pasta
Pasta dishes are a quick and easy option for days when you’re in a rush. Here, thick noodles are cooked with garlic and mushrooms to create a super simple and savoury dish that’s very satisfying. One of the easiest vegan mushroom recipes to make!
Get the recipe here.
8. Mushroom Pâté
This is another of my favourite vegan mushroom recipes! Make it with dried porcini mushrooms for added flavour. This is so, so great smeared on some hot, crusty bread.
Get the recipe here.
9. Oyster Mushrooms & Tiny Potatoes On Polenta
Thought going vegan meant ditching scallops? Wrong! Okay, so they’re not real scallops but these oyster mushroom alternatives will have everyone fooled! Paired with tiny potatoes and seasoned with Old Bay, dill and melted vegan butter, this is the quick and easy dinner that will become a firm-fave.
Get the recipe here.
10. ‘Shroom Hunter Smoky Grilled Cheese
Hands up if you didn’t think a grilled cheese could get any better? This is one of my favourite vegan mushroom recipes! The shiitake and crimini mushrooms here add a fab texture, whilst the vegan cheese melts to become nice and gooey. I also love how the rustic bread turns crispy and golden once cooked in a little vegan butter.
Get the recipe here.
11. Shiitake & Oyster Mushrooms Dumplings
This is one of my favourite vegan mushroom recipes! Because who doesn’t feel comforted by a plate of steaming hot dumplings? They’re hearty yet light at the same time. Here, shiitake and oyster mushrooms are cooked with garlic and scallions before being pan-fried to perfection.
Get the recipe here.
12. Vegan Mushroom Soup
There’s nothing that hits the spot quite like a steaming bowl of mushroom soup on a cold day! This recipe is packed with herbs to make it rich and flavourful. Great with some toasted bread! And it’s pretty darn healthy, too.
Get the recipe here.
13. Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
Beef broth and heavy cream are the main ingredients of this Russian dish – usually. But it just got a vegan makeover, thanks to Blender Girl. And you know what? Mushroom stroganoff has never been lighter, or tastier!
Get the recipe here.
14. Vegan Cioppino with Oyster Mushrooms
This vegan take on cioppino, a popular Italian fish dish, uses seared oyster mushrooms in place of fish. It has a similar texture and tangy, citrusy flavour as the original recipe, and only takes 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
Get the recipe here.
15. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Garlic Sauce
Not a huge fan of the texture of mushrooms? Grilling them can make them more solid and meaty. This recipe is super quick to throw together, and yet loaded with flavour. The caramelised sweetness pairs perfectly with the garlic sauce and basil. Serve with either salad for a lighter meal or potatoes for more of a heartier dish.
Get the recipe here.
16. Vegan Pulled Mushroom Tacos
Pulled mushrooms are stewed in spices and then baked in the oven until the edges are charred and crispy before being stuffed inside corn tortillas and dressed with a tomato salsa, crisp lettuce, pickled onions and a dollop of vegan sour cream for a quick and easy taco recipe.
Get the recipe here.
17. Mushroom Bourguignon w/Cauliflower Mash
If you love French cuisine but hate the dairy and meaty ingredients, then this is one of the best vegan mushroom recipes for you! It’s a hearty and wholesome stew. Just what we need with autumn around the corner.
Get the recipe here.
18. Soyrizo-Stuffed Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are wonderful when stuffed, and this recipe offers some unique flavours! Even if you can’t find soyrizo (which is a soya based sausage), just use juicy tomatoes, spicy chips and creamy guacamole for a Mexican vibe. Perfect for dinner parties!
Get the recipe here.
19. Mushroom Lentil Loaf
Lentil loaf may sound a little bland, but this dish is packed with flavour and texture, thanks to the combination of mushrooms, lentils, walnuts, sunflower seeds and fresh herbs. Why not pair it with some fresh vegetables and potatoes for a quick and easy dinner?
Get the recipe here.
20. Vegan Sausage Rolls
Who doesn’t love a vegan sausage roll? Scrap the mock meats and make these veggie loaded ones instead! The flaky golden pastry envelops a vegetable and herb filling. Perfect for adults and kids alike! And also one of the best vegan mushroom recipes to serve up at parties.
Get the recipe here.
21. Biscuits and Mushrooms Gravy
Sometimes we all need a mouthful of comfort food, and with the weather getting cooler, this recipe is perfect! Warm, hearty and packed full of the best savoury flavours, these biscuits topped with mushroom gravy will hit the spot. Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, too.
Get the recipe here.
22. Garlic Mushroom Spaghetti
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try cooking them with garlic. Game. Changer! Creamy spaghetti is topped with mushrooms and garlic and then coated in a creamy white sauce….anyone else salivating?
Get the recipe here.
23. Crispy & Chewy Sesame Shiitake
This dish is a vegan version of sesame beef. The shiitake mushrooms have the perfect texture to replace the meat. Slightly crispy on the outside, super chewy and juicy on the inside, they’re coated in a sticky sweet and spicy sauce that is fabulous paired with simple rice.
Get the recipe here.
24. No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Reishi Balls
Yes, vegan mushroom recipes can include dessert, too! The flavours of peanut butter, chocolate and coconut 100% mask the flavour of the reishi powder in these balls, leaving you with a delicious treat that’s packed with protein, fights cancer, and DOESN’T taste like mushrooms!
Get the recipe here.
Main image: Vegan mushroom lasagne. Get the recipe here.
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Thank you so much for sharing! And educating us on the different types of mushrooms that are suitable for different dishes. Two thumbs up! This is definitely a must-try!
Thanks so much for your comments! Glad you enjoyed the piece! 🙂