Wild Bear Mushroom Quesadilla: A Vegetarian Delight with Autumn Flavors
A Special Vegetarian Quesadilla Made with Wild Harvested Bear Mushrooms
Introducing a special vegetarian quesadilla recipe inspired by Mexican cuisine, made with precious wild bear mushrooms (Tricholoma equestre), also known as pine mushrooms, harvested from the deep mountains of Gangwon Province in autumn. Boasting a unique visual and flavor similar to Huitlacoche quesadillas, this dish offers a fantastic taste with the chewy texture of bear mushrooms and the richness of melted cheese. Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal that truly captures the essence of autumn.
Main Ingredients- Wild Bear Mushroom (Pine Mushroom) 100g (for 2 servings)
- Shredded Pizza Cheese 100g
- Tortillas (25cm diameter) 2 sheets
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh wild bear mushrooms (pine mushrooms). This recipe uses 100g of mushrooms for 2 servings. Feel free to add more if you prefer.
Step 2
Chop the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 cm in size, to make them easy to cook inside the quesadilla. Avoid chopping them too finely, as this can reduce their chewy texture.
Step 3
Lightly grease a heated frying pan over medium heat with a small amount of canola oil or cooking oil. The mushrooms will release their own moisture, so you don’t need much oil.
Step 4
Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt (or any coarse salt) over the chopped mushrooms to season them lightly. Be careful not to over-salt.
Step 5
Add the seasoned mushrooms to the pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Cook until the mushrooms slightly soften and release a fragrant aroma.
Step 6
Freshly ground black pepper (Kampot pepper is recommended) is added to taste. The peppery aroma will enhance the mushroom’s flavor.
Step 7
Add 2 teaspoons of Greek yogurt to bring a creamy texture and a mild tanginess to the bear mushrooms. Stir to combine well with the mushrooms.
Step 8
Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and add it to the mixture. Lemon juice helps to remove any earthy notes from the mushrooms and adds a refreshing brightness, enriching the overall flavor of the quesadilla.
Step 9
If you like a hint of spice, add one finely minced Cheongyang chili pepper. This will balance the richness and add a pleasant kick to the quesadilla.
Step 10
As an optional step, add a tiny pinch of vegetarian seasoning to further enhance the umami flavor. Use it sparingly so as not to overpower the mushroom’s natural taste.
Step 11
Combine all the ingredients in the pan and mix well. Once the bear mushrooms are nicely sautéed and all the seasonings are harmoniously blended, your delicious bear mushroom sauce is ready. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Step 12
Heat a clean frying pan over medium-low heat and place one tortilla on it. Be careful with the heat; too high, and the tortilla will burn quickly.
Step 13
Spread the prepared bear mushroom sauce evenly over one half of the tortilla. Make sure to spread it close to the edges for a well-filled quesadilla.
Step 14
Sprinkle about 50g of shredded pizza cheese over the bear mushroom sauce. You can use your favorite blend of cheeses, like mozzarella or cheddar.
Step 15
Generously add the shredded pizza cheese on top of the bear mushroom sauce. The melting cheese will help bind the filling and add a delicious, gooey texture.
Step 16
Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. Covering the pan with a lid for a minute can help the cheese melt smoothly.
Step 17
Cook the quesadilla over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally, until both sides are golden brown and crispy. The goal is a crispy exterior with a warm, melted interior.
Step 18
Once the cheese is fully melted and gooey, it will create a fantastic combination with the bear mushroom filling. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Step 19
Once perfectly cooked, cut the quesadilla into easy-to-eat portions (2-3 cuts). You can slice it like a pizza or into wedges.
Step 20
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy! Experience the perfect harmony of the deep, earthy flavor of wild bear mushrooms and the savory richness of melted cheese.
