Italian Grilled Porcini Mushrooms with Thyme

Introduction

Porcini mushrooms are a staple in Italian cuisine, loved for their meaty texture and deep, earthy flavor. Grilling them on the Arteflame lets them develop a beautifully caramelized crust while keeping their tender interior. Infused with fresh thyme and butter, these mushrooms make the perfect side dish or appetizer. Follow this easy recipe to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.

Ingredients

• 4 large porcini mushrooms, cleaned and halved
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Optional: 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to establish.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Prepare the mushrooms

1. Clean the porcini mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove dirt.
2. Cut them in half lengthwise to expose more surface for grilling.
3. Drizzle the mushrooms with melted butter.
4. Season with thyme, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic.

Step 3: Grill the mushrooms

1. Place the mushrooms on the flat cooktop near the center for high heat.
2. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and tender.
3. Move them to a medium-heat area if they need additional cooking time without burning.

Step 4: Finish and serve

1. Drizzle with a touch of balsamic vinegar if desired.
2. Serve hot with grilled meats or as a flavorful vegetarian side dish.

Tips

• Use fresh porcini mushrooms for the best flavor.
• Grill some crusty Italian bread on the Arteflame to serve with the mushrooms.
• Adjust the heat zone by moving mushrooms outward if they cook too fast.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra umami.

Variations

1. Garlic Butter Porcini: Increase the amount of garlic and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
2. Spicy Chili Porcini: Add red pepper flakes for a heat kick.
3. Truffle-Infused Porcini: Drizzle with truffle oil before serving for a luxurious touch.
4. Lemon Herb Porcini: Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add chopped parsley for brightness.
5. Smoky Paprika Porcini: Sprinkle smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled porcini mushrooms on the Arteflame grill bring out their rich, earthy flavors with the perfect char. Cooking them with butter and thyme enhances both their texture and taste, making them an excellent companion to any grilled meal.

Best Pairings

• Grilled ribeye steak for a hearty main course
• A crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio
• Grilled asparagus or zucchini for a balanced meal
• Fresh-baked Ciabatta bread to soak up the buttery goodness