Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

This year we celebrated Christmas early as our niece Sarah was coming for a quick visit and because we don’t get to see her often or celebrate holidays with her we decided it would be a nice thing to do with her. Sarah is a strict vegetarian by choice so I knew I had to change up my menu a little bit for her. I knew I wanted something hearty and filling for her so she would not miss the meat so I decided on these stuffed portabella mushrooms. I have to be honest I really, really dislike mushrooms of any kind. I have tried them several ways and they just don’t do it for me so I rarely make them and in this case although I made them I did NOT eat them. My Mom and Sarah enjoyed them and none went to waste so I know for all of you mushroom lovers out there these are good.

INGREDIENTS

Olive oil cooking spray

4 Portabella mushrooms

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 cup red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup zucchini, chopped

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Pinch of red pepper flakes-optional

DIRECTIONS

Line a pan with aluminum foil, set aside. Remove the stems from the mushrooms, chop and set aside. Remove the gills from the mushrooms with a spoon and discard. Place the mushrooms top side up on the pan. Spray with cooking spray and place about 5 inches under the broiler. Broil for about five minutes, the mushrooms will be tender and juices will be running from them. Remove from oven and set aside.

In a medium skillet sauté onions, pepper and garlic over medium heat stirring often until tender and browning. Stir in the chopped mushroom stems, zucchini. Salt and pepper. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir often. Remove from heat and pour any of the mushroom juices from the broiled mushrooms in the pan along with the veggies. Let the mixture cool.

Stuff each mushroom evenly with the veggie mix, top each with the cheese and place back under the broiler for 4-5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Enjoy!