Recipe Spinach, Mushrooms & onions (revisited)

[Morning Glory]

As promised, as co-judge of the Cookingbites Recipe Challenge I've been trying out some of the dishes submitted in my Test Kitchen! This one is an exploration of the recipe posted by @winterybella: Sautéed Spinach, mushrooms, and caramelized onions from http://juliasalbum.com/2014/04/sauteed-spinach-mushrooms-and-onions/. This is my take on it!

Photographed today in natural light augmented by LED by Morning Glory.

I tried the recipe as presented but found that it looked rather dull (all brown and green). @winterybella did note that the appearance of the dish on the website wasn't very alluring! Also, I thought the taste was rather 'muddy'. Nothing stood out.

So, I got thinking: this dish needs contrast to bring out the sweetness of the onions and the earthiness of the mushrooms. This is my tweaked version. I added a little red chilli (for colour and piquance) and I pimped up the balsamic vinegar by making a balsamic vinegar reduction. I think the studs of red chilli and the sweet and sour Balsamic reduction provide a good contrast to the sweetness of the onions and the earthiness of the mushrooms.

NOTES:

• To make a balsamic vinegar reduction, simmer balsamic vinegar over a low heat until it becomes a syrup. Drizzle a little over the dish and place dots around the plate as shown. You don't need a lot!
• This dish could be served as a vegan/vegetarian starter.
• shiitake mushrooms were used here but you could substitute other types of mushroom.

 

[winterybella]

Fantastic. @morning glory you also dropped the cream sauce I imagine. There is nothing creamy about your dish. Bravo I say.

 

[L_B]

I am liking the changes that you made to this recipe. I felt it needed something and I think you nailed. I am going to give it a try your way.