Recipe: Grape Leaf Baskets with Porcini Mushrooms and Grana Padano
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Porcini Mushrooms | 260g |
| Grape Leaves | 8 leaves |
| Grana Padano DOP (Grated) | 70g |
| Fresh Parsley | 10g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20g |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Porcini Mushrooms:
Start by cleaning the porcini mushrooms. Use a smooth-edged knife to gently scrape off any dirt and debris. Separate the mushroom caps from the stems. -
Cook the Mushroom Stems:
In a frying pan, heat the olive oil along with a clove of garlic. Once the garlic begins to release its aroma, add the mushroom stems to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook on a low flame for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften. Remove from heat, add the freshly chopped parsley, and mix well. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly. -
Grate the Grana Padano:
Once the mushroom mixture has cooled, incorporate 50g of grated Grana Padano DOP into the bowl and stir to combine. This will create a deliciously creamy filling for your baskets. -
Prepare the Grape Leaf Baskets:
Take 4 small cocotte dishes (about 9 cm in diameter). Line the bottom and sides of each cocotte with two grape leaves, forming a basket shape. -
Fill the Baskets:
Spoon a generous amount of the mushroom-stem mixture into the center of each grape leaf basket. Season with a bit more salt and pepper, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil. Top with 10g of grated Grana Padano DOP. -
Bake the Baskets:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the cocottes on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the baskets are golden and crispy. -
Finish and Serve:
After baking, sprinkle the remaining grated Grana Padano DOP over the top of each basket. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this elegant appetizer!
This delightful appetizer features tender porcini mushrooms paired with the bold flavors of Grana Padano DOP, all wrapped up in delicate grape leaves. Perfect for entertaining, these baskets are a creative and flavorful way to start any meal.
