Reconstituting: Dried Morel mushrooms can be reconstituted by soaking
them in warm water/broth for about 20-25 minutes, or by added them to a
simmering liquid 15-20 minutes before serving. The flavorful soaking liquid
can then be retained for a morel sauce or soup.
Sautéed Morels: Saute reconstituted
Morel mushrooms over medium-high heat (and possibly shallots) in butter
until tender, or for approximately 4-5 minutes. Serve warm as a side dish to
meats such as a nice steak or on crackers as a hors d'oeuvre.
Morel Sauce: follow the recipe above and
deglaze pan with the morel soaking liquid and/or white wine, Reduce liquid, add
heavy cream and simmer until desired thickness is reached. Serve on game,
meats, fowl, shellfish, pasta, and much more.
Dried
morels have a more intense, smokier flavor than fresh variety and have the
advantage of being available year round.
Most wild mushrooms can be substituted into any recipe. The morel's delicate
flavor can best be appreciated combined with other subtle flavors. This
mushroom is famous for flavoring sauces, but is also delicious breaded and
fried, stewed, baked, creamed, or stuffed with dressing. Their delicate
flavor is brought out best by sautéing them in butter for about five minutes
on each side. For an extravagant variation, added morel mushrooms to
sauteing Foie Gras before serving.