Porcini mushrooms

Porcini mushrooms, Boletus edulis, wild mushroom found predominantly in Italy. Caps grow from 1 to 10" in diameter. Porcini mushrooms have a very earthy flavor. They are hard to find fresh in the U.S. but widely available dried. Dried mushrooms should be reconstituted in warm water for at least 20 - 30 minutes before using. Strain and reserve the soaking liquid to add additional flavor to your dish.  Make sure to leave any sediment in the bottom of the bowl.

Porcini Mushroom Cream with Truffle - is a condiment from Italy which can be added to warm pasta, or used on toasted slices of bread as an appetizer.

Substitute For Porcini Mushrooms

If you don't have fresh porcini mushrooms then you can substitute one of the following:

• Substitute 1 1/2 ounces of dried, reconstituted porcini mushrooms per cup of fresh mushrooms needed.
• OR - Use equal amounts of fresh Shiitake mushrooms (less earthy but similar meaty texture).
• OR - Use 1 1/2 ounces of dried, reconstituted Shiitake mushrooms per cup of fresh mushrooms needed.
• OR - Use 1 1/2 ounces of dried, reconstituted Mixed mushrooms per cup of fresh mushrooms needed.
• OR - Although in general a poor substitute for porcini, you could use equal amounts of fresh button mushrooms.  They will lack the earthy flavor.