This recipe is my attempt to re-create an unforgettable, lip-smacking dish I had in a small, vegetarian restaurant in Barcelona. The chef was nice enough to invite me into the kitchen to show me how it was made, but his instructions were along the lines of "Throw in some of this and some of that!" without exactly explaining what "this" and "that" were. If you have access to setas or cèpes or porcini, be sure to include them
calories app; otherwise, use a blend of shiitake, chanterelle, oyster, crimini, or whatever other mushrooms you see at the market. I like a little variety in the texture of the mushrooms, so I mince the shiitakes and oyster mushrooms but leave the crimini in bigger chunks.
I chose this recipe because I honestly...HATE oatmeal. The texture of it puts me off, but not this one. It was sturdier, in fact "studlier" due to the fact that it did not have a goopy texture. The white wine really added a zing to it, elevating it to the next level -- I served this for lunch with simply a roasted chicken and it paired fabulously. I loved the texture, once again, it just blew my mind. It seemed almost like a sticky rice. Extremely comforting, I loved this recipe and can't wait to make it again!
Serves 4-6 as a side dish
1 cup whole oat groats, uncooked
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more to garnish
1 small white or yellow onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and minced
2 1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, minced and/or chopped (see note above)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons minced mix of fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, and flat leaf parsley, plus more for garnish if you like
sea salt and pepper
parmesan cheese
fresh lemon wedges
In a saucepan, bring the oats, 2 cups of water, and a fat pinch of salt to a boil. Cover and bring to very low simmer
reenex. Cook for about 45 minutes or until the oats are tender but still firm.
Once the oats are cooked, heat oilve oil in a large sauté pan or dutch oven. Over medium-high heat, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell pepper until soft and slightly browned.
Add in mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms have given off most of their liquid and become very soft.
Add in the white wine and cook until it is mostly cooked off.
Add the tomatoes and the oats to the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine and heat through
Metro Ethernet Provider. Continue to cook for a few minutes more. If the oats seem too thick, add in a little water or stock to find the consistency you like (I like mine on the thick side).
Add in salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the herbs.
Serve piping hot with a dusting of parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and/or some fresh herbs.