MORELS WITH NDUJA, TOMATOES & BASIL

This dish perfectly combines the earthy richness of morel mushrooms with the spicy kick of nduja, all balanced by the fresh flavours of tomatoes and basil.

Servings: 4 Preparation Time: 15 minutes, plus overnight preparation Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes, plus overnight preparation

INGREDIENTS

200g Large Morels, Approximately (or 3 per person)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
1 Shallot, Peeled and Very Finely Chopped
50g Fresh Nduja
50g Fresh Breadcrumbs
Sea Salt and Black Pepper
400g Tomatoes, De-Seeded and Diced
Small Bunch of Basil, Leaves Removed

VINAIGRETTE

1 Tablespoon of White Balsamic Vinegar
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Plus Extra to Drizzle(You will also need a plastic piping bag)

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking to elevate a weeknight meal, this recipe offers a delightful and sophisticated option. Stuffed Morels are sure to impress, serve it as an appetiser or a main course, and watch as it becomes a favourite at your table!

METHOD

STEP ONE

If possible, prepare the morels the night before. Due to their natural growing habitat, morels can contain loose soil and grit. Fill a bowl with cold water, toss the mushrooms in batches and agitate them in the water for a few seconds. Lift them out of the water and repeat the process 2-3 times, working quickly until the water is clear. Place the morels on a tray lined with kitchen paper and allow them to dry in the fridge overnight.

STEP TWO

Pre-heat the oven to 180c fan. Add one tablespoon of the olive oil and the butter to a small frying pan and pace over a low heat. When the butter has melted, add the shallots and fry gently for a few minutes until soft and translucent.

Crumble the ndjua into the pan and fry gently for a minute or two. Tip the onion and nduja mix into a small bowl and add the breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper, stir well to combine and set aside to cool slightly.

STEP THREE

Remove the stalks from the prepared morels to make them easier to stuff. Fill a plastic piping bag with the stuffing and snip off the end (roughly the same size as the opening of the morels, or slightly smaller) and carefully fill each mushroom. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a teaspoon and the end of the a chopstick to push the stuffing down. Place on a baking tray and drizzle over the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

STEP FOUR

Cook for 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the morels. If they are on the small side they will need less time so watch they don’t burn. Meanwhile pour the vinaigrette ingredients into a bowl and whisk together with a fork. Place tomatoes in another bowl, add the basil leaves and spoon over a couple of tablespoons of vinaigrette. Stir gently to combine and season to taste.