Mushrooms are incredible! Just look at how they grow, what they look like, and how many varieties there are. These amazing fungi have been used in many cuisines worldwide as well as traditional Asian medicine for millennia. Mushrooms provide us with a rich, grounding earthy energy, and they’re packed with so many amazing health benefits.
And in the cold winter months, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of mushroom broth to help keep you feeling warm and grounded. My homemade mushroom broth recipe is wonderful to sip on in this colder month of February, or to use as a base for any soup or stew.
Mushrooms: The Amazing Fungus Among Us
Did you know that there are thousands of types of edible mushrooms around the world? Just a few of them include:
- Portobello mushrooms
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Cremini mushrooms
- Chaga mushrooms (An excellent prebiotic, which I use in my Feel Good SBO Probiotics+!)
- Morel mushrooms
- Chanterelle mushrooms
- Porcini mushrooms
These humble fungi are packed with amazing health benefits and are naturally low in saturated fat, calories and sodium. They’re excellent sources of fiber, which is vital for your gut health. They’re also a great source of vegetable protein, as well as antioxidants.
Mushrooms can also help you control your blood sugar, boost your immune system, and may also help reduce the risk of cancer. [1] They’re also excellent sources of folate (also known as folic acid), which is a super important nutrient for mamas-to-be! :)
Unlike a lot of foods, mushrooms can share their full health benefits with you, whether they’re eaten raw or cooked. A lot of healthy foods (including many vegetables) lose some of those vital nutrients when you cook them, but not these fungi!
Related: The Miracle of Mushrooms! [Podcast: Ep 141]
What is Umami?
Mushrooms are rich in umami, one of the five basic tastes. The other four are:
- Sweet
- Salty
- Bitter
- Sour
Umami is a Japanese word that’s used to describe flavors that are complex or meaty, but it’s most commonly described as a savory flavor. All three are very fitting descriptions of mushrooms!
That umami flavor comes from a naturally occurring amino acid called glutamate, which can be found in meats, fermented foods, and of course, savory mushrooms. Glutamate is also the main ingredient in monosodium glutamate (MSG), used to enhance flavors. It’s important to steer clear of MSG, but don’t be afraid to enjoy naturally-occurring glutamate in healthy foods. This form of glutamate is an important compound for boosting your memory and for improving your learning.
Should I Use Fresh Mushrooms or Dried Mushrooms When I Cook?
Both are excellent additions to your pantry. One thing to keep in mind though is that dried mushrooms are a little different than their fresh counterparts.
The flavor of dried mushrooms is more concentrated than that of fresh mushrooms, which makes them excellent for creating flavorful broth or stock for all sorts of recipes— not just mushroom soup. :)
Combining dried and fresh mushrooms (like I do in this recipe) adds even more of that unbelievable umami flavor to your recipes, creating a deep and complex taste that may seem like it takes hours, but really takes no time at all.
Make Room for Mushrooms!
My homemade mushroom broth recipe is packed with not just mushrooms, but additional nourishing foods like carrots and celery. This super easy and deeply nourishing broth is an amazing addition to all sorts of meals, and mushrooms themselves are an amazing and versatile food that just has so many good things to give.
So if you love spending time with a fungi, why not give more mushrooms a try? ;)
If you try this recipe, make sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see what you’ve created! Don’t forget to share this recipe on Pinterest for all your mushroom-loving friends and family to see too!
In love and good health,
Deep Nourishment Super Easy Mushroom Broth Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cremini mushrooms
- 1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
- 3 stalks celery
- 1 medium carrot
- 8 cups water
- Sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Slice the veggies and add into a large pot, along with the water.
- Heat on medium-high heat until boiling, then quickly reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes before straining into broth, and/or using as a soup base.
Notes
More Magnificent Mushroom Recipes!
Whether it’s a cold February morning or a hot summer day, there is never a wrong time to enjoy the savory flavor of mushrooms. Here are five more of my favorite recipes featuring these amazing fungi!
- Feel Like a Fungi Mushroom Burger
- Sunchoke Mushroom Broccoli Gluten-Free Pasta
- Sweet and Spicy Portobello Mushroom
- Sauteed Herb Mushrooms ‘n Kale over Sprouted Brown Rice
- Vegan Mushroom, Kale & Parsley Tom Kha Soup
Citations
- Ba, Djibril M, et al. “Higher Mushroom Consumption Is Associated with Lower Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.” Oxford Academic, Advances in Nutrition, 16 Mar. 2021, academic.oup.com/advances/article/12/5/1691/6174025.
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