Superfoods Month: Portobello Mushroom "Cheesesteak"

portobello mushroom "cheesesteak" on shepherds bread 

Mushrooms are not often thought to be very nutritious, much less a superfood.   In comparison to many other foods, the nutritional value of mushrooms is somewhat lacking.  However, since mushrooms are so low in calories, they actually contain a lot of nutrients per calorie/dry weight and thus are indeed considered a superfood here.  Not only are mushrooms low in saturated fat and carbohydrates but most mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber, iron, copper (yeah you need this) and potassium (even more than a banana).  For slightly added nutrition choose brown mushrooms over white button mushrooms.

The recipe and photo shown here were inspired by a recent lunch I had at the Main Street Catering and Grill.  Usually when I have a portobello sandwich they are not too satisfying and not very flavorful, but the portobello cheesesteak I had here was both filling and tasty.  While I don't have the exact recipe used at this restaurant, I think it's pretty close and equally delicious.  I should confess that though the mushrooms in this meal are very nutritious the addition of the white bread and cheese make the meal less so.  Feel free to alter this to improve the nutritional value.  For the shepherd's bread I halved this recipe and formed six small (approx. 6 in.) round loaves.

Serves 4

Prep Time: 2 hours (if making shepherd's bread, 15 min otherwise)
Cook Time: 40 min

Ingredients:
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 containers baby portobello mushrooms, chopped
4 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 Tbsp water
Szechuan or chili pepper sauce for spiciness, to taste (optional)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1-1 1/2 cups swiss cheese, grated
4 small round shepherd's bread loaves

Directions: 

• lightly saute garlic and onions in 1 Tbsp olive oil
• add mushrooms, cook until slightly tender
• stir together remaining olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, water, brown sugar and spicy sauce
• add sauce (you may not need it all) to mushrooms and cook down until sauce is thickened (about 10-15 min)
• turn off heat and add in swiss cheese
• cut off top third of shepherds bread loaf and remove the center portion of the bread
• fill in with mushroom mixture
• top with additional swiss 

Potential Alternatives:

• add additional veggies (e.g. broccoli, asparagus)
• use whole wheat shepherd's bread 
• leave out cheese or try different types (e.g. smoked gouda, Monterey jack)
• try different mushroom types (e.g. crimini, porcini)