Pioppinos + Pine Nuts + Peas

This original recipe was created for R&R Cultivation by Asia Strom

If you are looking for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner, look no further than this peppered Pioppino dish! Pioppino mushrooms are full of antioxidants, essential B vitamins and potassium. These mushrooms have an earthy, nutty flavor that pair well with pine nuts and sweet peas. So...swap out the beef in your weekly dinner routine for this filling, healthy, and meaty-like wonder!

Before I started on my vegan journey, I used ground beef in this dish. Then, I swapped out the hamburger for plant-based ground, but it still didn't have the healthy edge I was looking for. Until I stumbled across R&R Cultivation at a farmer's market, and they had so many fresh mushrooms to choose from! That's what started me on this journey to find healthier meat substitutes. Mushrooms are my new go-to in creating healthier, more nutrient dense meals for my 2 daughters and me. I am so grateful for my partnership with R&R Cultivation, and I am excited to create and share new recipes with the rest of you mushroom lovers!

Cook Time: 40 mins

Serves 4

Ingredients: 

• 8 oz Pioppino Mushrooms
• 2 cups Basmati Rice
• 16 oz Fresh/Frozen Peas
• ¼ cup Pine Nuts
• 1 Container of Almond Yogurt (or your favorite variety)
• ½ cup Pea Shoots (Optional)
• 2 Tsp Fresh Ground Pepper
• 1 Tsp Allspice 
• ¼ Tsp Ground Cardamom 
• 1 ½ tsp Salt
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper 
• 2 Tbsp Sunflower Oil

Steps:

1. Cook 2 cups of rice as directed on the package. I prefer Basmati rice, but any brown or white variety would work.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of Sunflower oil in a large cast iron pan on medium heat. You can use whatever oil you choose, however, I use sunflower oil in cast iron because it has a higher smoke point. When the oil is hot, add your bag of fresh or frozen peas. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Then add 1 tsp of allspice, 1 tsp of fresh ground pepper, 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp ground cardamom. Next, add ¼ cup of pine nuts to the pan. Cook until they turn slightly golden, then remove pan from heat.
3. Add the pea and pine nut mixture to the cooked rice and combine well. Cover to keep it warm on a low heat setting.
4. Using the same pan you cooked the peas in, add 1 tbsp of Sunflower oil and set to medium heat. When oil is hot, add 8 oz of Pioppino mushrooms, 1 tsp of pepper and ½ tsp salt. Cook until tender, about 5-7 mins. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble your dish. Place about 1 cup of rice mixture on a plate. Top with sauteed pioppino mushrooms. Finally, top with your favorite yogurt, pea shoots, a pinch of cayenne pepper and additional salt and pepper to taste. Arugula or cilantro would also be a delicious green if you don't have pea shoots. I have also used cilantro and jalapeno chutney for an added kick. Enjoy!