Description
Creamy lemony mushroom mascarpone toast elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired meal. Fresh herbs and tender beans complement crisp toast, offering a delightful balance of textures and bright, zesty flavors you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 slices sourdough bread (or other crusty bread), 3/4 inch thick
- 1 lb (454 grams) mixed mushrooms, trimmed
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) tub mascarpone cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Liquid and Aromatics:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil, plus more as needed
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
- 1 lemon, half zested and juiced
Instructions
- Prepare a 12″ skillet by heating it over medium-high temperature, then lightly coat the surface with olive oil.
- Create golden, crispy bread slices by toasting them for 1-2 minutes on each side, ensuring an even golden color. Transfer the toasted bread to a serving plate.
- Introduce mushrooms to the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a rich brown color and tender texture through occasional stirring, approximately 4 minutes.
- Incorporate shallots with a pinch of salt, caramelizing them through frequent stirring for 3-4 minutes until they develop a deep, sweet flavor.
- Add butter beans and balsamic vinegar to the skillet, reducing heat to low and allowing the mixture to simmer, letting the vinegar concentrate its flavors for about 5 minutes.
- Elevate the dish’s brightness by mixing in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, crushed red pepper, dill, and chives. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
- Create a creamy base by spreading a generous layer of mascarpone across each toasted bread slice.
- Carefully pile the sautéed mushroom and bean mixture atop the mascarpone-covered toast.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and flaky sea salt, then garnish with additional fresh herbs and a delicate drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve the toast immediately while still warm and fragrant.
Notes
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose a hearty, rustic sourdough or country bread that can withstand the weight of the mushroom mixture without becoming soggy.
- Mushroom Variation: Experiment with different mushroom types like shiitake, oyster, or a wild mushroom blend to add unique flavor complexity and texture.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace mascarpone with cashew cream or vegan cream cheese, and use plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy elements.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs are crucial; don’t substitute dried herbs as they won’t provide the same bright, vibrant flavor profile that makes this dish special.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg