Mushroom Spread With Lemon & Thyme
Description
This vibrant Mushroom Spread with Lemon and Thyme offers a sophisticated twist on classic appetizers. Earthy mushrooms are sauted until tender and deeply flavorful, then blended with sharp Pecorino Romano, fresh parsley, and zesty lemon juice for a perfect balance of savory and bright notes. The texture is chunky yet spreadable, making it ideal for scooping with warm, toasted Italian bread rounds. Its an excellent choice for dinner parties, wine nights, or as a quick starter that feels gourmet without the fuss. The fresh thyme adds an aromatic lift, while the lemon peel provides a subtle citrus fragrance. Serve it at room temperature to let the flavors meld, creating a memorable bite that is both comforting and refined.Ingredients
Directions
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and saut until tender, about 5 minutes.
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Add the chopped mushrooms, thyme, and lemon peel to the skillet and stir to combine.
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Cover the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
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Uncover the skillet, increase the heat to high, and cook until the mushrooms begin to brown, about 6 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
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Transfer the mushroom mixture to a food processor.
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Add the Pecorino Romano, lemon juice, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the processor.
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Pulse the processor several times using on/off turns until the mixture is finely chopped but still has some texture.
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Stir in the minced parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Transfer the spread to a small serving bowl.
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Serve immediately with toasted Italian bread rounds.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 49.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5.6g9%
- Saturated Fat 0.8g4%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.0mg0%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.0g0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Make Ahead: This spread can be made up to 3 hours in advance. Let it stand at room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage: If not serving immediately, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Variations: For a vegan version, omit the Pecorino Romano or substitute with a vegan hard cheese alternative. You can also use different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for varied flavor profiles.
Tip: Use a microplane to grate the lemon peel for the finest texture and most intense flavor. Ensure the mushrooms are completely cool before blending to prevent the cheese from becoming oily.