Super Crispy Ranch Mushrooms
February Perspective: There is an unmasked existence out there, one where we smile widely at each other, laugh and have some fun. It’ll be so great to exercise jawlines and cheeks that have grown flabby from years of under-stimulation and gravity. I’m telling ya Smile Therapy is the next big thing.
And luckily February is full of fun opportunities for celebration and smiling- February is a return to festivities with S*** bowl Sunday. The Big Game is a highlight of the Great American Celebration calendar, it’s the perfect secular holiday for everyone to enjoy in front of a big screen with friends and family and lots of yummy snacks. A fun time that is had by all.
I’m personally looking forward to
the halftime show
the endless snack
commercials
These crispy Ranch mushrooms are my addition to the snack table, something for the vegetarians and the plant-based (switch out your go-to non-dairy option for the buttermilk) and they add another level of umami meatiness and juicy texture to a burger.
1 1/2 lbs. stuffer mushrooms (wiped clean) sliced 1/2 “
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup flour
2 tbsp. Ranch seasoning dip mix
safflower oil, or your favorite high-temperature oil.
Place sliced mushrooms in a large bowl, pour buttermilk over add the Ranch seasoning mix and toss until mushrooms are well coated.
Pour Flour into a large baggie, with a slotted spoon remove the mushrooms from the bowl and drop them into the flour bag, once all mushrooms are in the flour, seal the bag and shake it gently so that the mushrooms are flour coated.
Pour approx. half-inch of oil in a frying pan heat over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
With tongs lift coated mushroom out of the bag, shaking off excess flour, and place in a single layer on the frying pan. Cook on both sides until a pleasing brown shade (about 3-5 minutes), With a slotted spoon or remove from hot oil and drain on paper towels.
Here’s the fun part: The creative ways to enjoy these crispy, juicy, umami wonders. For the Panivores (bread-lovers) place between bread and garnish to your heart’s content suggestions: sriracha ranch, pickles, sliced cheese or queso, a regular meat burger, or a veggie burger…
