The Delight of Mushroom and Walnut Stromboli
Stromboli, a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine, brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This irresistible roll, beloved by many, transforms humble pizza dough into a savory delight filled with a medley of ingredients. Choosing mushrooms and walnuts for the filling creates a vegetarian delight that pleases both meat lovers and health-conscious eaters alike. Let’s take a closer look at how to master this delicious dish and learn about some of its versatile serving options!
Ingredients to Create a Flavorful Wonder
To begin, gathering the right ingredients is key. This recipe for mushroom and walnut stromboli requires a handful of staples. You’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups strong white bread flour
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian mixed herbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
This delightful combination of ingredients results in a flavorful dish brimming with umami notes, thanks to the earthy mushrooms and crunchy walnuts.
Crafting the Dough
Making the dough is the first step in your culinary journey. Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms. Kneading is essential — whether by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. You want the dough to be elastic and clear, taking about five minutes in a mixer or ten if you’re kneading by hand. Afterward, let the dough rise in a warm space, covered with a clean cloth, until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour.
Filling and Rolling – The Heart of Stromboli
While your dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the filling. Sauté onions in olive oil until soft, then add chopped mushrooms, walnuts, garlic, and mixed herbs. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and become beautifully golden. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle. Layer the mozzarella cheese first, followed by the mushroom mixture, and finally sprinkle cheddar on top. Rolling the dough tightly will shape your stromboli. Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, which will prevent sticking.
Baking and Serving Suggestions
Before sliding your stromboli into the hot oven at 400°F, brush it with an olive oil mixture infused with parsley and garlic powder. This step adds a golden touch and an aromatic crust. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, until golden brown. The anticipation of the savory smell wafting through your kitchen is a thrill in itself!
When cooled, slice the stromboli and serve with marinara sauce for dipping. This dish is versatile enough to be a main course for dinner, a standout finger food for parties, or even a delightful addition to a buffet table.
The After Party – Variations and Storage
If you are preparing the dish ahead of time, it’s simple. Assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it before baking. Cook it directly from the fridge; just expect a little longer bake time. Leftovers can be warmed in the oven, maintaining their crispy exterior. For a twist on flavors, consider serving it alongside a light salad or contrasting dips such as pesto or garlic butter.
Mushroom and walnut stromboli can quickly become a beloved staple in your household, providing warmth and comfort in every bite. Embrace this culinary adventure, and enjoy every moment spent savoring this delightful dish with family and friends!
