Kosovar Stuffed Mushrooms with Lamb
Tender mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of ground lamb, rice, onions, and aromatic herbs, baked until golden and delicious. This dish offers a delightful blend of earthy mushrooms and hearty lamb, making it a perfect appetizer or light main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 24 pieces Large mushrooms (cremini or white button)
- 300 g Ground lamb
- 1 cup Short-grain rice, cooked
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Allspice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Clean the mushrooms and carefully remove the stems. Finely chop the mushroom stems.
💡 Tip: Reserve the mushroom caps and set aside. You can use a spoon to gently scrape out the stems if they are difficult to remove. - 2
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
💡 Tip: Do not brown the garlic, as it can become bitter. - 3
Add the chopped mushroom stems to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, until they have softened.
💡 Tip: This helps to release their flavor and moisture. - 4
In a bowl, combine the ground lamb, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, chopped parsley, chopped mint, salt, pepper, and allspice. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
💡 Tip: Ensure the rice is cooked but still slightly firm to avoid a mushy filling. - 5
Stuff each mushroom cap generously with the lamb and rice mixture. Do not overfill.
💡 Tip: Press the filling gently into the mushroom caps. - 6
Arrange the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the lamb filling is cooked through and lightly browned.
💡 Tip: The mushrooms should release some liquid as they bake. - 7
Serve hot as an appetizer or a light main course.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of yogurt sauce if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cumin or coriander to the filling.
- ✓If you don't have ground lamb, ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork can be used.
- ✓Ensure the mushrooms are dry before stuffing to prevent a watery filling.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the filling for extra vegetables.
- Top with a sprinkle of grated cheese (like Parmesan or local white cheese) in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve with a side of ajvar or a yogurt-based sauce.