Before we had children, one of our very favorite things to do was go to the theatre. Each year we would get season tickets to either the Seattle Rep or the Intiman and see incredibly high quality shows. One year, we did a special deal where, in addition to the tickets, we got a fixed price dinner (with a deep discount) and a restaurant right nearby. The place is nice inside and the food was fine and we always enjoyed our evening.
This year, after only seeing a show here and there for the past four years, we got season tickets to the Rep. We will see eight plays over the course of their season. We have already been to two and I have to say it is so nice to have this part of my life back. The other night, Randy and I went to see Edward Albee’s Three Tall Women and, for old time’s sake, decided to eat at that old restaurant.
It’s still a sweet place but the menu is almost exactly the same as when we last dined there, about four years ago. That is never a good sign. Worse, my food – which was always passable before – was pretty terrible. My salad was soggy and there is not much I like less than soggy salad. My main course, a wild mushroom risotto, was nearly inedible. It was barely warm, chalky and mushy, with bits of undercooked sweet potato (huh?) scattered throughout and bits of brown that I could only guess were mushrooms. As a nod to the “wild” part of wild mushroom risotto, there were a couple of chanterelles charred almost beyond recognition sitting atop the mush as a garnish, along with a giant sprig of tarragon (again, huh?).
Eating such a terrible dish made me want to give mushrooms a better experience. Allow them to shine all their glory instead of hiding them throughout overcooked rice. When I was planning to make the fregola the other night, I had a sense that it was going to be on the lighter side. I felt like our dinner could use a more substantial side than just the green beans I had in my refrigerator.
This flavor packed side dish stars some Asian ingredients but it really would go with just about anything. It’s the kind of thing that you keep picking up pieces to taste, long after you have decided that the seasoning is spot on. I used cremini, shiitake, and chanterelle mushrooms, but any would be good here. If you are going to roast whole shallots, as the recipe instructs you to do, I would use very small ones. If yours are large, I would slice them into rounds and roast them that way instead of cutting then into quarters like I did.
Mushroom Sides Previously on Dana Treat: Asparagus and Grilled Shiitake with Ginger Soy Vinaigrette, Mushrooms with White Wine
One Year Ago: Tomato & Goat Cheese Tarts
Two Years Ago: Eggplant Rollatini with Capellini
Roasted Mushrooms and Shallots with Fresh Herbs
Adapted from Food & Wine
Serves 4 to 6
2½ tbsp. dark sesame oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1¼ pounds mixed mushrooms (DT: I left mine whole, but you can cut in half)
Salt
10 small shallots, peeled
1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the sesame oil with the garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Spread the mushrooms on a baking sheet and drizzle with the sesame oil mixture; toss to coat. Season with salt. (DT: be very careful with the salt since soy sauce is so salty.) Roast the mushrooms for about 30 minutes, until tender and glazed.
Meanwhile, on a second rimmed baking sheet, drizzle the shallots with the remaining ½ tablespoon of sesame oil; toss to coat. Season with salt and roast for about 25 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and tender.
Place the mushrooms and shallots together in a bowl and add all the herbs. Toss well to coat the vegetables with the herbs. Serve warm.