Winter Squash And Portobello Mushroom Tamales Food

MUSHROOM AND SQUASH RISOTTO

Steps:

• Soak the porcinis in 5 cups hot water, 30 minutes. Strain into a saucepan, squeezing the liquid from the porcinis; chop the porcinis and set aside.
• Make the mushroom broth: Remove the shiitake stems and transfer to a separate saucepan. Add 5 cups water, the bay leaf, 1/2 cinnamon stick, the peppercorns and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil and cook 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside to infuse, 30 minutes. Strain into the saucepan with the porcini soaking liquid, squeezing the liquid from the shiitake stems; discard the solids.
• Meanwhile, chop the shiitake mushroom caps and mixed mushrooms. Heat 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in an extra-large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes and the remaining 1/2 cinnamon stick and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the shiitake caps and mixed mushrooms in an even layer and cook, undisturbed, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir and continue cooking until the mushrooms are soft, about 3 more minutes. Season with salt and discard the cinnamon stick.
• Bring the mushroom broth to a simmer. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the squash, onion, porcinis and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add the rice and toast, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Add the wine and simmer, stirring, until absorbed, 1 minute. Add 3 cups hot broth, return to a simmer and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 more minutes. Add 3 more cups broth and the mushroom mixture; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the rice is al dente, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the grated cheese and parsley. Add more broth, if needed. Season with salt and serve with more cheese.

SPICY SQUASH AND PORTOBELLO TACOS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F; lightly spray two rimmed baking sheets with avocado oil cooking spray (or broth) or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a bowl, spray the squash with avocado oil then toss with cayenne pepper and cumin; season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to one of the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon thyme.
• Combine portobello caps, red onion slices, garlic, chili, and remaining thyme in a bowl; drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread onto the other baking sheet. Spray with avocado oil or drizzle on some vegetable broth.
• Place both sheets in the oven and bake, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are cooked and begin to caramelize (about 15 to 20 minutes for the portobello mushrooms and 20 to 25 minutes for the squash). If needed, add a splash of water (or vegetable broth) to the baking sheets during the cooking process. Toss the vegetables together, adjust seasoning if needed, and scatter pumpkin seeds and parsley on top. Use as a taco filling with sliced onions, guacamole, and salsa.