Dried is an inseparable element of Christmas. You can use them to stuff dumplings, croquettes and other dishes that are common on tables every year. But what to do if you have a dried product and want to add it to the stuffing? It is important to properly soak and then cook the mushrooms. Here’s how to do it.
How long should you soak dried mushrooms? The methods vary, but you can rely on one thing
It turns out that the time you have to soak the mushrooms before cooking depends on the species you have. Please note that boletes and boletes may soften after just two hours, while other mushrooms may require more or less time. Some people recommend simply soaking them in water, regardless of the species, overnight. Thanks to this, you will be sure that they are properly prepared for cooking.
But what exactly should you do? First, remove the dried mushrooms from the container in which you store them and wash them gently but thoroughly in lukewarm water. Then put them in boiled, warm water and soak. It is enough to slightly cover the mushrooms – a large amount of liquid could wash out the natural aroma. Don’t forget to stir regularly and remember not to throw away the water after soaking the mushrooms, unless it is contaminated with sand or forest litter. You might still need it for cooking. Mushrooms should be gently drained from the water, for example using a strainer.
How long to cook dried mushrooms? A patent for a perfectly aromatic product
After soaking the mushrooms, place them in a pot and cover with water. Cook for about 1 hour, but remember to season them with a pinch of salt. You can also use coarse pepper, marjoram, bay leaf or cumin. Such additions will make the mushrooms tastier. Before you take them out of the pot, check if they are soft enough and the way you wanted them to be. If not, you can cook them a little longer, but be careful not to lose their flavor and consistency. If cooked for too long, they may start to fall apart and instead of an aromatic product, you will get an unpleasant mush. Also remember that some species only become edible after cooking. For this reason, cooking cannot be too short.
Source: Gazeta

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