Summer in the UK is perfect for fresh, vibrant flavours and outdoor dining. As the summer heat makes you crave something lighter, delicious and refreshing, it's the perfect opportunity to get creative with your seasonal recipes. Adding mushroom powders and mushroom coffees to traditional summer dishes is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value of your meals while enhancing their taste. These ingredients, rich in potential antioxidants and adaptogens, offer a unique approach to possibly improving well-being. In this blog, we’ll delve into three classic UK summer dishes, each given a tasty, mushroom-infused twist that’s sure to impress.
1. Mushroom-Infused Summer Salad
Ingredients:
- Mixed salad greens (rocket, spinach, watercress)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Walnuts, chopped
- Shiitake mushroom powder (1 tsp)
- Olive oil (3 tbsp)
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- Honey (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the shiitake mushroom powder, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving.
Potential Benefits:
Shiitake mushroom powder is known for its rich umami flavour, enhancing the savoury notes of your salad. Additionally, Shiitake is believed to support overall vitality, making it an excellent addition to a light, refreshing summer dish that could help maintain energy throughout the day.
2. Grilled Chicken with Mushroom Coffee Marinade
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- Endurance Mushroom Coffee (2 tbsp, brewed and cooled)
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- Fresh thyme (1 tbsp, chopped)
- Lemon zest (1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a bowl, mix the brewed Endurance Mushroom Coffee, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Serve the grilled chicken with a side of fresh summer vegetables or a crisp salad.
Potential Benefits:
Endurance Mushroom Coffee, featuring Cordyceps, is an adaptogen that may help boost energy levels and could support mental clarity. This makes it an ideal choice for a summer barbecue, aiming to help you stay active and sharp during outdoor gatherings.
3. Mushroom-Enhanced Eton Mess
Ingredients:
- 4 meringue nests, crushed
- 300 ml double cream
- 200 g strawberries, sliced
- Focus Mushroom Coffee (1 tsp, ground into a fine powder)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whip the double cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in the crushed meringue nests and sliced strawberries.
- Sprinkle the Focus Mushroom Coffee powder over the mixture and gently stir to incorporate.
- Spoon the mixture into serving glasses or bowls, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Potential Benefits:
Focus Mushroom coffee, with Lion’s Mane, is believed to aid cognitive function and boost focus. This twist on the classic Eton Mess is not only a sweet treat but also a dessert that could help you stay mentally sharp—perfect for enjoying after a leisurely summer meal.
Summary
Incorporating mushroom powders and coffees into traditional UK summer dishes is a simple and delicious way to elevate your meals. Whether you’re looking to enhance flavour, support your energy levels, or simply try something new, these mushroom-infused recipes offer a fresh perspective on summer dining. Enjoy experimenting with these ingredients, and savour the unique benefits they bring to your table!