Chimichurri Mushrooms

Heavenly Chimichurri Mushrooms on a Bed of Melted Cheese with Chives.

Welcome to Heartee, today we will be delving into a mouthwatering creation by the talented Chef Rene Rodriguez from The Albion Rooms in Ottawa. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with his delectable dish: Chimichurri Mushrooms on a Bed of Cheese, generously garnished with aromatic chives. This fusion of flavors promises to be a true masterpiece that will leave you craving for more. So let's roll up our sleeves and recreate this culinary wonder in the comfort of our own kitchen!

Ingredients: For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mushrooms and Cheese:

• 1 pound mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster, etc.), cleaned and sliced

• 1 cup grated cheese (a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda works well)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, and finely chopped shallot.

• Add the red wine vinegar and slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the mixture.

• Sprinkle in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Set the chimichurri sauce aside.

2. Saute the Mushrooms:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil.

• Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sauté the mushrooms until they become tender and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.

• Reduce the heat to low and pour in a generous amount of the prepared chimichurri sauce, tossing the mushrooms to coat them evenly.

3. Melt the Cheese:

• Preheat your oven's broiler on low.

• In an ovenproof dish, spread a layer of the grated cheese. Place the sautéed chimichurri mushrooms on top of the cheese bed.

4. Broil the Dish:

• Place the dish under the broiler and let it cook until the cheese has melted and started to bubble and turn slightly golden on the edges. This should take about 3-5 minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Once the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the dish from the oven.

• Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh chives for a burst of color and additional flavor.

• Serve the Chimichurri Mushrooms on a Bed of Melted Cheese hot and savor the explosion of flavors that Chef Rene Rodriguez has brilliantly crafted.

Congratulations! You have successfully recreated Chef Rene Rodriguez's delightful Chimichurri Mushrooms on a Bed of Melted Cheese with Chives. The blend of the earthy mushrooms sautéed in homemade chimichurri, melded with the gooey melted cheese, and crowned with the brightness of fresh chives, is simply divine. This dish is an excellent choice for a show-stopping appetizer or a delightful main course that will leave your guests in awe of your culinary prowess. Enjoy!