Mushroom Bowls with Kale Pesto Recipe

Introduction

Embark on a culinary journey with this delightful smoky-sweet marinade and vibrant vegetable bowl recipe. Combining the rich flavors of mushrooms, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a healthy meal or a flavorful side, it’s easily customizable with your choice of sauce. Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Smoky-Sweet Marinade:

– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste

Bowls:

– 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, washed and cut into thick slices
– 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
– 2–3 bell peppers
– Rice or cauliflower rice
– Kale pesto, magic green sauce, or any other preferred sauce

Prep Time

20–30 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Whisk or shake the olive oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and desired amount of salt and black pepper together in a jar until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Mushrooms

Place the sliced mushrooms in a shallow bowl and pour enough marinade to coat each piece thoroughly. Reserve any leftover marinade for later use.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). While the mushrooms marinate for 20–30 minutes, prepare any additional ingredients, including your chosen sauce.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting

Arrange the bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and marinated mushrooms on separate sheet pans. Ensure they are spread out evenly to promote even roasting.

Step 5: Roast the Ingredients

Bake the sheet pans in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, rotating the pans as needed to ensure even cooking. The vegetables should be nicely browned, but keep an eye on the peppers, as they may roast a few minutes faster. If additional browning is desired, use the broiler briefly.

Step 6: Serve

Once roasted, serve the vegetables and mushrooms over rice or cauliflower rice, drizzling your preferred sauce on top. Alternatively, incorporate the roasted ingredients into a wrap or salad.

Notes

Note 1: Avoid Overcrowding

Avoid overcrowding the sheet pans to ensure proper roasting and caramelization of the vegetables.

Note 2: Manage Excess Juice

If the pineapple releases excess juice, drain it off before roasting to maintain proper texture.

Note 3: Tempeh Alternative

For a tempeh alternative, marinate the tempeh for at least 2–3 hours to allow it to absorb the flavors, then roast or pan-fry as directed for the mushrooms.

Mushroom Bowls with Kale Pesto Recipe
Mushroom Bowls with Kale Pesto Recipe

Cook techniques

Marinating

Whisk together the marinade ingredients until fully combined. Submerge the mushrooms in the marinade and let them soak for 20–30 minutes to enhance their flavor and tenderness.

Roasting

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Spread the marinated mushrooms, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks on separate sheet pans to ensure even cooking. Roast until browned, ensuring to rotate the pans for uniform heat distribution.

Caramelization

Avoid overcrowding the sheet pans to promote proper roasting and caramelization, allowing the natural sugars in the vegetables to concentrate and develop a rich flavor.

Using Broiler for Extra Browning

If additional browning is desired after roasting, briefly switch to the broiler to enhance the caramelization of the vegetables and mushrooms.

Alternative Ingredients

For a variation, substitute tempeh for mushrooms by marinating and cooking it similarly. This will provide a different texture while absorbing the flavors of the marinade.

FAQ

Can I substitute the olive oil with another oil?

Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, but olive oil adds a nice flavor.

What can I serve with these roasted ingredients?

Serve the roasted vegetables and mushrooms over rice, cauliflower rice, or in a wrap or salad for a hearty meal.

How do I store leftover marinade?

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw vegetables or protein without cooking it first.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

While fresh vegetables yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen vegetables. Just be aware that they may release more moisture during roasting.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the marinade gluten-free, ensuring all other ingredients are also free from gluten-containing components.

Conclusion

This smoky-sweet marinade enhances the natural flavors of mushrooms, bell peppers, and pineapple, creating a delightful harmony that can elevate any meal. By utilizing fresh ingredients and a variety of sauces, you can adapt this dish to suit your preferences while enjoying a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Tempeh Bowls

Substitute mushrooms with marinated tempeh for a protein-rich option. Roast it alongside the vegetables for added texture and flavor.

Quinoa Base

Swap rice or cauliflower rice with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free whole grain alternative. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and extra protein.

Taco Filling

Use the roasted mushrooms, bell peppers, and pineapple as a filling for tacos. Top with avocado, cilantro, and lime for a refreshing twist.

Salad Topping

Incorporate the roasted vegetables and mushrooms into a fresh salad. Add mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette for a light meal.

Grain Bowl Variations

Experiment with a base of farro or barley instead of rice. Combine with the smoky-sweet roasted ingredients for a hearty grain bowl.

Wrap Option

Use tortillas or lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with roasted mushrooms and vegetables. Drizzle with your preferred sauce for extra flavor.

Pizza Topping

Top a pizza crust with roasted mushrooms, peppers, and pineapple, adding cheese of your choice before baking for a savory indulgence.

Mushroom Bowls with Kale Pesto Recipe
Mushroom Bowls with Kale Pesto Recipe