Baharat Mushroom Piccata

My vegetarian riff on a classic Italian Meat Dish - Shiitake and Oyster Mushrooms tossed and coated with Baharat & panko mix then fried until very crisp. Caramelized leeks, tarragon and garlic form the base to which chopped up marinated olives, lemon slices, white pepper and white wine are added. Then butter cubes are swirled in to finish an unctuous sauce. It was very aromatic, sprightly and an utter textural delight! Personally I like to serve with some wild rice or lightly spiced bulgur but I can’t think of reason why it won’t work on a Toast?!

*I have made the vegan and gluten free versions and they are wonderful; however I do think the flavor of dairy butter and soy sauce is quite unique and hard to replicate with substitutions. Unless you have intolerances or following a strict diet regimen I would recommend trying once as is to see what I mean

Ingredients (serves 2 as Main)

150g Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms, quartered 

150g Oyster Mushrooms, roughly torn

2 tsp Baharat Spice Blend (sub Shawarma spice blend)

1 tsp Light Soy Sauce (substitute with Tamari for Gluten Free)

1.5 tsp Cornstarch

2 tsp Panko Breadcrumbs (substitute with Rice Flour to keep it gluten free)

3 tbsp Avocado Oil (substitute with Olive Oil)

100g Leeks (only white & light green part), thinly sliced

15g Chives, finely chopped

1 small Thai Chile, chopped (optional)

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 Meyer Lemon, 1/2 of it thinly sliced into 6-7 rounds & other half juiced (substitute with regular lemon)

25-30g Marinated Green Olives, pitted & roughly chopped

1.5 tsp Ground White Pepper (substitute with black pepper)

2 tbsp chopped Tarragon

1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt

120ml Dry White Wine (substitute with vegetable stock to keep it alcohol free)

2.5 tbsp Unsalted Butter (substitute with vegan butter), cut into small cubes

Directions

🍄 In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients, mix well until mushrooms are lightly coated & spiced. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet, transfer coated mushrooms into skillet & fry on high heat until crisp & golden - about 8 minutes. Reserving any excess oil, keep the crisp mushrooms aside

🍄 In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp oil, leeks & Thai chile (if using). Fry on medium flame for 5 mins then add garlic and chives (reserving 1 tbsp chives for garnish). Continue frying for 3-4 mins. Now add olives, pepper, tarragon & salt, cook for a minute & add lemon slices. Cook for 30 seconds & add wine. Increase the flame to high & cook for 2-3 minutes

🍄 While it’s vigorously bubbling, add butter and continue swirling the pan constantly so that it’s well emulsified. Now transfer the crisp mushrooms & cook for a minute. Turn off heat

🍄 Finish with lemon juice and garnish with reserved chives. Enjoy!