Imagine a condiment so luxurious, so unexpectedly delicious, that it transforms ordinary meals into culinary masterpieces. Our Mushroom Thyme Pine Nut Butter is not just a spread—it's a flavor revolution waiting to explode on your taste buds! Combining the earthy richness of mushrooms, the aromatic essence of fresh thyme, and the buttery crunch of toasted pine nuts, this recipe will elevate your cooking from mundane to magnificent in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop 1 cup of mushrooms into small pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Measure out 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, finely chopped. Also, have 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper ready.
- In a medium-sized skillet, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely without browning.
- Once the butter is melted, add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Stir well to coat the mushrooms in the butter. Cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have released their moisture.
- After the mushrooms have cooked down, add the pine nuts to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the pine nuts toast evenly and do not burn. You want them to be golden brown and fragrant.
- Next, sprinkle in the chopped fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the thyme to release its aroma and infuse the mixture.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once cooled, transfer the mushroom and pine nut mixture to a food processor.
- Blend the mixture in the food processor until it reaches your desired consistency. For a smoother butter, blend longer; for a chunkier texture, pulse a few times until combined but still textured.
- Once blended, taste the mushroom thyme pine nut butter and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
- Transfer the butter to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for longer storage.
- This mushroom thyme pine nut butter is perfect for spreading on toasted bread, enhancing pasta dishes, or using as a flavorful addition to grilled meats or vegetables. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips
- Choose high-quality mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper flavor complexity.
- Toast pine nuts carefully—they burn quickly, so keep constant watch and stir frequently.
- Use fresh thyme if possible; dried herbs can work but won't provide the same vibrant taste.
- For a smoother consistency, blend longer; for texture, do short pulses in the food processor.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before blending to prevent steam buildup in the processor.
- Store in an airtight container and consume within a week for maximum freshness and flavor.
- Experiment with different mushroom varieties to create unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
