Champignons à la Crème: A Simple and Flavorful Mushroom Cream Dish

Champignons à la crème is a delightful and hearty dish that can be prepared in various ways. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or a beginner, this creamy mushroom dish is both simple to make and incredibly delicious. Here, we explore two different methods to prepare this classic French dish, ensuring that you can enjoy a mouthwatering meal anytime.

Basic Champignons à la Crème Recipe

For a straightforward and comforting approach, follow these steps:

Heat some butter in a pan over medium heat. Add a punnet of coarsely chopped button mushrooms, known for their mild and meaty texture.

Let the mushrooms sweat down until they are softened, typically taking about 5-7 minutes. This process allows the natural juices to be released, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish.

Add a crushed clove of garlic to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.

Pour in about 1/3 of a cup (80 ml) of cream and reduce the heat to low. Allow the cream to simmer gently until it has cooled slightly.

Stir in chopped parsley and finely chopped chips, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. This addition of fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor and a nice texture contrast.

Serve the champignons à la crème immediately for a comforting and creamy side dish or main course.

Fried Bacon and Mushroom Champignons à la Crème

Alternatively, if you enjoy a heartier dish, you can incorporate fried back bacon into your creamed mushrooms:

First, fry chopped back bacon in a hot pan until the fat has rendered. Carefully remove the bacon and set it aside.

Reduce the heat slightly and add three cloves of garlic to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Add the coarsely chopped button mushrooms to the pan and cook until they are nicely coated with the bacon fat and heated through, with a gentle sizzle.

Follow the basic recipe steps to finish with the cream, parsley, and chopped chips.

Serve this version warm with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.

Creamed Mushrooms with Herbs

Another variation of this classic dish involves using raw mushrooms and herbs to infuse a unique flavor:

slice the mushrooms finely and steep them with finely chopped spring onion, shallots, garlic, olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, sea salt, ground black pepper, a splash of cider vinegar, and fresh tarragon or chervil.

Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the mushrooms relax and release their juices, making the dish creamier and more flavorful.

Just 45 minutes before serving, bring the bowl from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature.

With 10 minutes before serving, add a generous dollop of crème fra?che and stir gently but thoroughly to incorporate. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and serve as an appetizer with crusty bread.

Cooked Mushrooms with Seasoning

Alternatively, if you prefer cooked mushrooms, prepare them with the same herbs and ingredients but with a different cooking method:

Chop the onion or garlic finely and fry in a shallow pan over a gentle heat until softened but not browned.

Then, add the sliced mushrooms and turn them in the oil until they are nicely coated and properly heated through, with the gentlest sizzle.

Stir in the seasoning liquid and herbs, allowing the mixture to cool before use. If preparing in advance, you can store it in the refrigerator.

Cook the mixture just before serving, ensuring it’s slightly lukewarm. Stir in a dollop of crème fra?che and a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving.

Enjoy your creamy and aromatic dish served with crusty bread.

Whatever method you choose, champignons à la crème is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a main course or an appetizer, this creamy mushroom dish is sure to impress with its rich taste and impeccable texture. Try these variations and find the one that best suits your taste and cooking style.