European Christmas Market braised mushrooms (or called Weihnachtsmarkt Champignons) in a creamy, garlic sauce. Quick (vegetarian) appetizer that will instantly transport you to the magic of a (German/Austrian) Christmas market.
The perks of being native Europeans is that we get to easily travel across the continent. That means we get to eat all sorts of foods (yay!). In that spirit, I’d like to offer you a lovely recipe for my favorite Christmas market champignons (mushrooms) in a creamy garlic-y sauce. There’s nothing more Christmassy than walking around a fairly crowded Christmas market, cheerfully waddling under the notes of gentle Christmas tunes and glazing at all the delicious options for dinner. Plus, it’s beginning to snow. Ah, dreams, dreams. Let’s get back to the recipe, eh.
If you are a fan of mushrooms, definitely check out my recipes for Mediterranean Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms or the super Quick Parmesan Butter Oyster Mushrooms (baked).
Behind the Bites:
Christmas market mushrooms are a great example of the hearty, flavorful street food that is central to the Christmas market experience in Europe. If you’ve ever been to one, you know what I’m talking about. Mushrooms are often served in small paper bowls or cups, making them easy to enjoy while walking around the market. A toothpick or small fork is provided, so they’re easy to eat on the go. Alongside Thin German Potato Pancakes Recipe (Kartoffelpuffer), mushrooms a delicious getaway from all the sweet temptations on the Market.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Mushrooms – champignons or brown button mushrooms
- Red onion, minced
- Butter, or olive oil
- Crème fraiche – or sour cream, for sauce
- Chives, minced – or parsley, for sauce
- Cloves of garlic – for sauce
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste – for sauce and mushrooms
How to make Weihnachtsmarkt Champignons?
1st: Clean and cut partly mushroom bottoms, braise in butter on medium to high heat (use a lid as well) alongside minced onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2nd: In the meantime, prepare the sauce by mixing all ingredients together. Serve immediately alongside mushrooms.
TIP: Shake pan with mushrooms vigorously from time to time, otherwise they tend to stick.
What to serve with Weihnachtsmarkt Champignons?
A few winter delicacies from my kitchen that go well with these European Christmas Market mushrooms:
- Thin German Potato Pancakes Recipe (Kartoffelpuffer)
- Easy Polish White Borscht Soup (Barszcz biały)
- Sour Cabbage Rolls (Sarma) with pork
- Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – baked fresh cabbage with pork
Christmas Market Creamy Braised Mushrooms (Weihnachtsmarkt Champignons)
Equipment
- 1 frying pan with lid
- 1 bowl for sauce
Ingredients
- 300 g brown mushrooms, (champignons)
- 1 medium red onion, minced
- 4-6 tbsp. butter, or more if needed
- sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 200 g crème fraiche
- 1/3 cup chives, minced
- 3 medium cloves of garlic
- sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- First, wash mushrooms with cold water, cut the stems a bit – close to the edge of the mushroom cap.
- Then, preheat pan and add butter to melt (medium heat). Place mushrooms in pan and braise for a few minutes. Also, add minced onions and let sauté alongside mushrooms until brownish.
- Stir vigorously as mushrooms tend to stick to pan. Remove from stove top and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp. of chives.
- In the meantime, in a bowl combine crème fraiche, garlic (minced through garlic press), chives, salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve sauce alongside mushrooms immediately.
Notes
- Butter can be substituted for olive oil, or other high smoke point vegetable oil.
- Chives can be changes with fresh parsley.
- Crème Fraiche can be substituted with sour cream or a combination of sour cream and plain Greek Yogurt.
Nutrition
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Perfect recipe.