Love me or Hate me, but while the rest of the world is pushing sugary baked beans, bacon-stuffed burgers, layered Mexican dips and mayonnaise-laced potato salad this holiday weekend, I’m opting to share something a little more healthy: Simple Marinated Mushrooms
This new and wonderful group that I’m a part of – The Red- Faced Runners– has me inspired to eat healthy and keep fit through running and other calorie- burning feats! Did you hear about The Red Faced Runners? Please read more HERE– and I hope you’ll join us. We’re a group of women inspiring each other to stay fit. It’s a good bunch.
Anyway, these mushrooms are a good bunch too. Start with a box full of fresh mushrooms. Give them a light rinse to get any extra dirt off, and trip the rough end of the stems off and toss ’em.
You’re going to marinate them in oil and a few simple spices.
Marinating them in a zip baggie is easiest. Just toss them with the dressing and let them sit on the counter, turning the bag around to redistribute the marinade every once in a while.
In a couple of hours, the mushrooms will be marinated enough to serve.
Yeah, they’ll retain a little bit of that oil, but they’re a whole lot better to munch on than the super- fatty foods that will be on hand at most 4th of July parties. I’m pretty sure you’d feel better about eating a dozen of these over a dozen chocolate chip cookies (at least… the next morning you’d feel better, right?) Or you could compromise and eat a dozen of these and then 2 chocolate chips cookies. That’s a smarter idea all around!
And come join our group- The Red Faced Runners! You DO NOT have to be a runner to join (but we’ll encourage you to get started), and we’d love to have both experienced and beginner runners join in the fun. A Facebook Page has been created, and a RFR website is coming very soon too- stay tuned!
If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you’ll find a link to the WW Points on the recipe card below.
Simple Marinated Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 pound (about 24) fresh white button mushrooms (bite-sized), cleaned
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
Instructions
- Place water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Trim the mushrooms by cutting off a thin slice of the stem of each mushroom. Drop the mushrooms into boiling water and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes; do not boil. Drain the mushrooms and cover with cold water. Let stand until cool. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, oregano and red pepper flakes. Add the mushrooms to the olive oil mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until well coated. Let stand at room temperature for 2 hours or longer, stirring occasionally (overnight is even better). TIP: You can also marinate the mushrooms in a large zip bag. I prefer to do it this way since it's so easy to turn the bag and redistribute the marinade.
- When ready to serve, drain the mushrooms from the marinade (reserving a little bit of the marinade) and place the mushrooms on a platter with toothpicks for serving. Drizzle some of the reserved marinade on top
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made these mushrooms tonight for a party we are having Saturday with a bunch of other couples, an Italian menu theme. Instead of boiling the mushrooms, I sauteed them in a large frying pan on medium high heat, with just a bit of olive oil to give them some brown color and a little mushroom sweat. Then I put them in the marinade in the bowl till they cooled and tasted them. Delicious! Then I added some green olives to the mix. I think this will be a wonderful appetizer along with the other menu items that night. Thanks…really delish!
Excellent!
Sounds like a perfect summer appetizer!
I made these on Saturday for a girls’ night…added a little extra red pepper flake because we like things a little spicier 🙂 These were a huge hit!!! Everyone kept going back for more, they were so addicting. These might become part of my regular rotation for party foods. I think I have a new go-to item for potlucks! Thanks!!!
This is a fantastic idea, Lori! I’m always looking for easy, healthy appetizers/snacks to serve up to my kids and guests.
Lori, I love these simple summer dishes with BIG flavor. …Cute skewers too!
Love this healthy party treat, what a great alternative to the not-so-healthy food that seems to dominate gatherings.
I love mushrooms! And I am all for a little healthy now and then.
These look easy and delicious!
Such a great spice combo!