In a matter of weeks, it’ll be autumn and we’ll be enjoying the changing colors and drop in temperature. This is also the perfect time to enjoy one of our appetizers - The Mushroom Julienne.
Mushroom Julienne is a famous Russian appetizer consisting of thinly sliced mushrooms, onions, cream, cheese, and sour cream. This dish is often flavored with white wine, nutmeg, and ground pepper. Although it is traditionally served as an appetizer in small ceramic or metal dishes, it can also be used as a topping for meat.
Here at Tzarevna, we proudly call Mushroom Julienne our hidden gem (as far as appetizers go). We use oyster mushrooms, champignons, and a good portion of cheese and garlic aioli baked together. It is recommended to serve mushroom julienne with toasted breadsticks or sliced bread on the side. This rich and creamy dish is perfect on its own paired with good wine.
Like most Russian dishes, Mushroom Julienne was influenced by the French during the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The French introduced recipes and techniques that were gradually incorporated into Russian cuisine. Over time domestic ingredients evolved, and so did people’s preferences. The mushroom Julienne is a good example of this.
Mushroom Julienne takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and only requires a handful of ingredients. Julienne is always served hot with an enticing layer of cheesy crust on top. Some people say that Mushroom Julienne tastes a lot like American mushroom sauce. Most people who try Mushroom Julienne agree that it tastes better on its own either as an appetizer or an entree.
Did you know that you can make Mushroom Julienne at home? All you need is the following ingredients:
- white button mushrooms (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 a cup of thinly sliced onions
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons of divided butter
- 1/4 cup of dry white wine
- 1 cup of sour cream
- salt & freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese
The Process
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare the ingredients (you can use oyster mushrooms instead of button mushrooms if you like).
- Melt the butter in a large frypan, add the mushroom, onions, and garlic. Saute on medium heat until the mushrooms start to shrink. Drain the mushrooms and set them aside.
- In the same frypan, melt the remaining butter and add white wine. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 2 minutes and then add the sour cream and mix. Season it with salt and pepper and then stir in the mushrooms.
Pour the sauce (along with the mushrooms) into a baking pan or ramekins and divide equally. Sprinkle the sauce with cheese then bake it for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Viola! You now have your very own version of Mushroom Julienne. Now, remember, this is the traditional version of the dish. At Tzarevna, our Mushroom Julienne is like no other in New York. Our chefs have been mastering Julienne for many years now using our modern Tzarevna touch. So the best way to experience the most delicious Mushroom Julienne, is to drop by and try it for yourself!
