Portobello Fajitas with Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Formal Description:
Portobello Fajitas with Cilantro Garlic Sauce is a delightful vegetarian dish that features marinated Portobello mushrooms as the star ingredient. These mushrooms, known for their meaty texture and rich umami flavor, are grilled or sautéed and then served in tortillas along with a variety of colorful peppers and onions. The dish is topped with a vibrant cilantro garlic sauce that adds a burst of freshness and zingy flavor. It’s a satisfying and healthy alternative to traditional meat-based fajitas.
Casual Description:
Portobello Fajitas with Cilantro Garlic Sauce is like a veggie party in your mouth! Imagine big, juicy Portobello mushrooms, all dressed up in a flavorful marinade, and then cooked to perfection. They’re joined by a squad of colorful peppers and onions, sizzling away. And the magic touch? A creamy cilantro garlic sauce that makes everything pop! Put it all in a tortilla, and you’ve got yourself a tasty fajita fiesta.
History:
The exact origin of Portobello Fajitas is a bit fuzzy, but it’s safe to say it’s a Tex-Mex creation, blending Mexican and Texan flavors. Fajitas, in general, have a history rooted in Mexican ranch culture, where throwaway cuts of meat like skirt steak were grilled and served in tortillas. The vegetarian twist of using Portobello mushrooms likely emerged in response to the growing demand for meatless options in Tex-Mex cuisine.
Components:
For the Fajitas:
- 4 large Portobello mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 bell peppers (one red, one green), thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas
For the Cilantro Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps to Prepare:
For the Fajitas:
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Marinate the Portobellos: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over the Portobello slices and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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Sauté Veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the sliced onions and peppers until they are tender and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the Portobellos: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Cook the marinated Portobello slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and slightly crispy.
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Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the oven for a minute or two until they are warm and pliable.
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Assemble the Fajitas: Lay out a tortilla, add some Portobello slices, and top with the sautéed peppers and onions. Repeat for all tortillas.
For the Cilantro Garlic Sauce:
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Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro leaves, garlic, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a smooth and creamy sauce.
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Serve: Drizzle the cilantro garlic sauce over the assembled fajitas or serve it on the side for dipping.
Time Needed:
Preparing Portobello Fajitas with Cilantro Garlic Sauce should take approximately 30-40 minutes, including marinating time. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish, making it a perfect choice for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Enjoy your homemade fajita fiesta!
Nutrition Facts for Portobello Fajitas with Cilantro Garlic Sauce:
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Portobello Fajitas (per serving, without tortillas or sauce):
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Protein: 4-5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Sugars: 4-5 grams
- Fat: 6-7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 100-150 milligrams
Cilantro Garlic Sauce (per serving, about 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 40-50 kcal
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 gram
- Sugars: Less than 1 gram
- Fat: 3-4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 5-10 milligrams
- Sodium: 15-20 milligrams
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Portobello Fajitas are relatively low in calories, making them a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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High in Fiber: The dish is a good source of dietary fiber, mainly from the Portobello mushrooms and vegetables. Fiber aids in digestion and helps you feel full, making it a suitable option for those watching their weight.
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Protein: While it’s a vegetarian dish, Portobello mushrooms provide a decent amount of protein. Combined with the tortillas, it can be a satisfying protein source for vegetarians.
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Low in Cholesterol: This recipe is cholesterol-free, which can benefit heart health.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Portobello mushrooms are a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. The cilantro garlic sauce adds some extra nutrients from the cilantro.
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Moderate Fat Content: The dish contains moderate amounts of healthy fats, mainly from the olive oil used for cooking and the creamy sauce. These fats provide satiety and can be part of a balanced diet.
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Sodium Awareness: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have hypertension or are watching your salt intake. You can reduce the sodium by using less salt in the marinade and sauce or opting for low-sodium alternatives.
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Customization: You can further enhance the nutritional profile by adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added vitamins and minerals.
Overall, Portobello Fajitas with Cilantro Garlic Sauce can be a nutritious and flavorful meal option, especially for those seeking a vegetarian or lower-calorie alternative to traditional fajitas.
