Mushroom Carpaccio - Two Ways! (Chive-Lemon OR Tomato-Basil)

Quick & simple Mushroom Carpaccio may be made two or more ways; they are similar in that both start out with sliced mushrooms; one is simply dressed with a lemon-garlic dressing the other with a more complex tomato-balsamic-basil dressing. These make excellent starters, side dishes or potluck contributions. 

I  Mushroom Carpaccio With Garlic, Lemon & Chives

Ingredients:

8 oz. Large Brown or White Mushrooms

1 small clove Garlic, peeled and mashed

2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 - 1 Lemon, juiced

Kosher Salt & Pepper

4 Tbsp Fresh Chives, chopped

Method:

Combine the oil, garlic, 1/2 the lemon juice, salt and freshly ground pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

Wash and dry mushrooms. Trim the stems as needed and thinly slice.

Arrange the mushroom slices on a platter or on individual plates. Drizzle the dressing evenly over them. Let sit for about 10 minutes.

Taste one piece of the marinated mushrooms. Sprinkle a little more lemon, extra salt or pepper as needed.

Scatter the chives over the mushrooms and serve. Enjoy!

II Mushroom Carpaccio With Tomatoes & Basil

This one may be prepared two ways: serve the tomato basil dressing on slices of mushrooms as given below or layer the mushrooms, tomato and basil and drizzle the dressing made from balsamic vinegar, garlic, oil, salt and pepper. 

Ingredients:

8 oz  Large Brown or White Mushrooms

1 Lemon, Juiced

2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

1 clove fresh Garlic, mashed

2 Ripe Roma Tomatoes, finely diced

Kosher Salt & Pepper

1 Small bunch Fresh Basil

Fresh Chives, for garnishing

Method:

Combine the tomatoes, 1 Tbsp of the oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil and salt.  Use a pepper grinder to add freshly ground pepper. Mix well. Let sit for about 30 minutes.

Wash and dry mushrooms. Trim the ends of stems and thinly slice.

Lightly brush a large platter with lemon juice. Arrange the mushroom slices on the platter and brush more of the lemon juice over them evenly. If making ahead, prepare upto this step and assemble the carpaccio a few minutes (not more than 30 minutes) before serving.

Spoon the dressing attractively and evenly over the mushroom slices. Drizzle the rest of the oil evenly over the veggies.

Decorate with the chives and serve. Enjoy!