How to Cook Morel Mushrooms

Morel is considered a delicacy. Many chefs in more classy restaurants strive to include them on the menu whenever they can get their hands on them.

If you have wondered how to cook morel mushrooms, it is really easy.

They are not so easy to grow at home so you should consider finding morel mushroom spores kits which will help to ensure you get a decent harvest.

If you are able to lay your hands on fresh morel at a market or specialist store, you will find that preparing and cooking is easy, and they taste terrific. Of course, there are the nutritional and medicinal benefits of morel that add to their overall delight, so it is well worth the time and effort of finding and then cooking them.

You Will Need

– Morels. As many as you can get your hands on and can comfortably afford. More is definitely better!
– Cooking oil. For a more flavorful impact, extra virgin olive oil does the trick. However, if not available any cooking oil can be used.
– Butter. Unsalted or Salted, and add according to your taste. I like lots.
– Garlic and onions – again, use these to suit your taste.
– Sharp kitchen knife and a wooden spoon or tongs to cook them
– Frying pan
– Optional: Lemon, Balsamic Vinegar, Seed Mustard

Select Your Mushrooms

Selecting the best morel mushrooms can make or break your dish.

If you don’t select well, you will likely end up being disappointed with the result.

To get the best quality, look for morel that are small in size and firm in texture. Try to find those that look clean and without bug infestation and dirt on their surface. Don’t worry if there is a little on the outside as these can be removed before cooking. To avoid the mushrooms becoming spongy and soft, pick ones that are the most dry.

If you decide to go hunting for morel in areas where they are known to exist, do research in advance so you know what you are looking for as there are other mushrooms that look deceptively like morel but contain poisonous substances that will cause issues when eaten.

It is easy to work out which are the real morel. Before picking them, make a small cut in the bud. The real morel has a hollow inside whereas the poisonous fungi does not. No hollow…no morel. Leave this alone and keep hunting.

Clean First then Rinse

Many mushroom need to be cleaned before cooking and eating, especially when you have picked them yourself.

Morel is no different, in fact it is more the case with these mushrooms as you want to be sure there are no worm, bugs or dirt. Given them a good looking over and gently remove anything that you would not want to be eating. A soft cooking brush will help this process.

If you have been lucky enough to hunt for and find your own fresh mushroom, take particular care to ensure all debris and/or insects are removed. Store bought morel have usually been partially cleaned before sale, however you should still do your own inspection and cleaning to be absolutely sure. Picking your own morel will turn out to be a far cheaper option, and probably a lot of fun too. Store bought morel are expensive but are a convenient option if you don’t want to go through the hunting and gathering ritual.

After you’ve cleaned your morel as much as you want, rinse them gently under running water for a few seconds to remove any other dirt not yet removed. Make sure you only do this for a short time otherwise you will spoil the texture of the beautiful morel which will become waterlogged and limp and stew when being cooked.

Cut the Mushrooms

Now your morel is clean, the next step is to cut them before cooking. To start, grab a sharp kitchen knife and cut off the stiff stems at the bottom of the mushrooms as close to the body as possible.

Cut the morels either in half or quarters. This is a personal decision on whether you like them large or small and how far they need to stretch with other diners. Either way, they will taste great.

Cooking

To cook the morel, a stir fry wok will produce the best results.

Heat a pan on high and add your chosen oil. When the oil is hot, add the mushrooms and toss them regularly so they get well coated. Once the mushrooms start changing color reduce the heat and let the morel cook for a few more minutes, again depending on how firm you like them. Make sure you keep your eye on them to prevent them from burning or sticking to the fry pan.

Add any chosen extras like garlic and onion to your preferred taste and toss regularly for a few minutes. Then add the butter and ensure the morel are well coated and look shiny and glimmering. Add cracked black pepper and salt to taste.

You can then add the morels to a separate dish or eat them as is, on their own. You could add a squeeze of lemon, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of seed mustard to provide a different gastronomic experience. Really, anything you have available will enhance your enjoyment of these wonderful morel. Plain or fancy…delicious.

Wrap Up

The great thing about finding hunted or bought and then cooking Morel mushrooms is they are good for you and they taste great. The challenge of how to cook morel mushroom is  solved. They require more work than many other types of mushroom, however after they are eaten, you will look back and think it was worth the effort. Enjoy!

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