Three Random Sides

This dinner was based around a very odd mushroom, and an attempt to use pantry items I already had.


I'm always intrigued by the mushroom stand at the city farmers' market, and when I went the other day I decided to go for the weirder of the two specimens that were marked organic. Lion's Mane, it's called, puffy and yellowish white. The woman told me to just pan-fry them, and I left them without any seasoning to see how they taste. I've read they're similar to lobster or crab, and while I don't have enough experience with either of those to confirm or deny that, it seems vaguely on point. Chewy and meaty with a bit of sea flavor. Pretty tasty, kinda bordering on really good.

Here's what they look like raw, I didn't think to take a picture so I grabbed this one.



After having blown through the market as it was closing, and left with two odd mushrooms in a paper bag, I decided to grab a bunch of organic asparagus at the produce shop. At Christopher's suggestion I broiled those in the oven after tossing them in olive oil, salt and pepper. Five or ten minutes, I forget, but check on them a lot, as with anything you're broiling.



For my third random side dish, to complete the meal, I cooked up garlic, onions, and pinto beans, then stirred in italian herb pasta sauce, and some cooked, og, whole wheat fusilli. Pasta with red sauce, but made more nutritious by using whole grain pasta and beans.

Altogether the meal was preetty good, not amazing, but probably nutritionally sound. Next time I would chop up the mushrooms and the asparagus, saute them with garlic and vegan butter, maybe a red pepper, then I'd stir all that over pasta (minus the red sauce). I'd serve it with salad, and garlic bread made with lots more vegan butter, sauteed garlic, and a delicious fresh crusty bread. I like olive bread or sourdough whole wheat for garlic bread. mmmmmm. I wish I had made that meal. Maybe next time!


P.S. The farmer lady told me the mushrooms were healthy, and when I looked them up online I found out they are alleged to prevent, cure, or heal the symptoms of; dementia, cancers of the digestive tract, ulcers, alzheimer's, high blood pressure, and HIV-infected patients with sensory neuropathy (whatever that is, sounds painful). They stimulate nerve cell regeneration, and are anti-inflammatory. They are a superfood, who knew? Chinese doctors, apparently, so probably a lot of people. They're definitely tasty enough to eat too!