How to process the parasol mushroom

The parasol mushroom is one of the most popular mushrooms, maybe because it is very hard to miss it in the forest. Its stipe can be 35 cm tall, and the pileus can easily reach25 cm in diameter. If you see these big umbrellas in the forest, you will certainly be drawn to them. And you will be even happier when you eat them. But how should you prepare the parasol mushroom correctly? Well, there are many ways and recipes of course. We shall take a look at the most famous ones and also include a video showing you how to bread and fry parasol mushrooms.

Parasol mushrooms with butter and cumin

Most likely this is the most common way to prepare parasol mushrooms and it requires the least amount of effort on your part. Clean pieces of the pileus, add butter with cumin and fry it. That is it. Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly. Heat up a pan, melt the butter, place the pieces on the pan, add salt and sprinkle with cumin. Fry the pieces on both sides and enjoy. Parasol mushrooms will absorb plenty of fat, but they will taste delicious…  Another mushroom that taste excellent when prepared in this way is the milk cap rice in butter with cumin.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

Plenty of uses

Parasol mushrooms are also great in soups and together with other mushrooms. You can freeze them or pickled them. They are also great stuffed (the pileuses only of course). Did you hear about parasol mushroom cracklings? It is worth trying. Parasol mushrooms are not very suitable for drying though, because they are very gentle and will fall apart when dry. But the stipe is used to make mushroom seasoning.

Photo: Radek Štěpán

Breaded pileus is the best

I think we all agree on that. Breaded and fried pileus is great. Just roll pieces of the pileus in fine breadcrumbs as you would do with a regular schnitzel. Three layers are recommended. Coat the pieces in flour first, add salt, beaten eggs and then roll it in breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil. When done, use a paper napkin to get rid of the fat. We also fried our own parasol mushrooms so, see for yourself and get inspired.

YouTube: Radek Štěpán

Preview photo: Radek Štěpán