Fresh Mushroom Salsa

Oh how I adore fresh salsa, and this is one of my absolute favorites! This is a slightly modified version of my mother in law's mushroom salsa recipe which has become a staple at family parties. Like all fresh salsas this is simple to make, and if you like mushrooms this recipe is definitely worth a try.

People generally have very strong reactions to mushrooms, they either love them or hate them. I love them because they're versatile and delicious, very low calorie, cholesterol free, and an excellent source of B vitamins. I use white button mushrooms but you can use any variety or combination of fresh mushrooms you like. If there is one thing you should learn from this post, it's that you should never use water to clean your mushrooms! Mushrooms readily absorb liquids giving you a chewy, boggy product. Instead, use a dry paper towel or even a firm-bristled brush to wipe off any excess dirt from the mushrooms (I actually have a small paintbrush that stays in my kitchen just for this purpose). Next, remove the stems because they are probably dried out and tough from the grocery store, and the caps make a better final product. Use your thumb to push up on the stem to loosen it and give it a twist to remove the stem from the cap.

When making this for guests, chop your ingredients but don't add the lime juice until just before serving. Fresh salsa makes great party fare but the mushrooms will absorb the lime juice and may become slimy after sitting several hours. Fortunately, it has been my experience that this salsa doesn't last that long at a party! My favorite way to enjoy this is with tortilla chips or torn pita bread, but it's also delicious with cucumber slices or as a taco topper. For you carnivores out there, try this on top of grilled steaks or burgers in place of grilled mushrooms for a light summertime take on a classic food pairing. Enjoy!

Fresh Mushroom Salsa, serves 4
8 oz fresh mushrooms, stemmed and chopped into 1/4 dice
1 bell pepper, cut in 1/4 dice
1-2 jalapenos, minced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 large handful cilantro, chopped
2 limes, juiced
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Toss the vegetables and cilantro together. Just before serving add lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.