Marinated Portobello Mushrooms with Pesto and Balsamic Reduction

Serves 8

 

4 Portabella Mushrooms

8 slices of your favorite strong, semi-hard cheese (Manchego, Gruyere, Gouda, etc.)

 

3 cups fresh basil, stems removed

3 large garlic cloves

1/2 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup regular—not extra virgin—olive oil

 

1 cup Balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

 

Pesto Preparation

Pulse all ingredients except oil in food processor. Gradually add oil—add only enough to make the pesto moist, but not runny. Set aside.

 

Preparation

Clean mushrooms well. Marinate mushrooms in balsamic vinegar for around an hour. Place mushroom on hot, well-greased grill. Grill until mushrooms begin to soften, turning periodically to prevent burning.

 

Remove mushroom from grill and place on oiled baking sheet.  Fill cap with pesto and lay top with cheese to cover.

Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes—enough to cook the mushroom completely and melt the cheese.

 

Balsamic Reduction

Slowly simmer (in a 4-1 ratio) balsamic vinegar and sugar in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan on the stove until it becomes thick but not syrupy. It should run easily but be much thicker than regular balsamic.

 

Place mushroom in center of plate. Drizzle balsamic reduction over the top. Garnish with microgreens, fresh tomatoes, etc.

 

Recipe courtesy of Patti Vander Lyn, Rose Hill Manor. www.rosehill.com

Pair with Texas Hills Vineyard’s Sangiovese.