Stuffed mushrooms are so retro. They were very popular in the 1960s, but you almost never see them now except at the Olive Garden. That is too bad, because they are easy to make and delicious to eat. They are perfect with cocktails and also make a good first course. The important step is to sauté the mushroom caps before you stuff them. Then you can let your imagination run wild and stuff them with whatever sounds appealing. We have a big bowl of pistachios that we have been snacking from for days, and even though pistachios are surprisingly low-cal, they are not when you eat them by the bowlful. Stuffing them into mushrooms seemed like a good dodge. That’s partly because I have no idea how many calories are in a stuffed mushroom.
RECIPE
Pistachio-Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 8 large crimini mushrooms (the largest you can find not labeled as Portobellos)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 scallions, including green ends, chopped coarsely
- ¼ cup shelled pistachio nuts, chopped coarsely
- ¼ cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup fresh bread crumbs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons Pernod
- salt and pepper
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
- Remove the stems from the mushrooms and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat and add the mushroom caps. Sauté for about 3 minutes and turn over. Sauté the other side of the mushroom caps until cooked through. Remove to a plate, draining any liquid that has accumulated in the caps.
- Remove any woody part of the mushroom stems and chop finely. Return them to the sauté pan along with the chopped scallions. Add more olive oil if needed. Sauté until cooked through. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the pistachios, Swiss cheese, bread crumbs, sour cream, and Pernod. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- With a small spoon, fill the mushroom caps with the pistachio mixture. Sprinkle the tops with the grated Parmesan cheese, and place under a hot broiler until the mushrooms are heated through and the tops have browned.
- Serve immediately.
From the Family Table 
Looks and reads delicious. I like to sweat the mushroom liquor on the grill, then add it to goat cheese and herbs and warm them again on the grill. I’ll have to try the pistachios. I fear the Pernod might not get to the mixing bowl.
Thanks. That sounds like a delicious version. I love Pernod, but it is easy to overdo.