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Ukrainians and Russians love hors d’oeuvres or appetizers for gatherings (Zacuska). They’re easy to grab and make a great social food. We love appetizers with smoked salmon, like these Salmon Canapés and Keilbasa Sandwiches, alongside tea.
Mushroom Spread for Bread:
This savory mushroom spread is like a delicious paste over slices of chewy bread, loaded with garlic flavor. This mushroom spread recipe is a traditional Eastern European delicacy, referred to as a mushroom paté or mushroom crostini. We call these “Hrinky” in Ukraine.
Creamy Mushroom Spread
You’ve probably tried these Creamy, garlicky mushroom sandwiches at a gathering with Ukrainians or Russian people!
They are easy to make and taste amazingly delicious! I must warn you, though, that one will probably not be enough; they are quite addictive.
Using a box grater is genius because who wants to chop a bunch of mushrooms?! I will also say that it’s important to cool the sautéed mushrooms before adding the mayonnaise, otherwise it will melt into the mushrooms and become greasy. I add just enough mayo to make this spread moist; you don’t want to overdo it.
Most cooks will have the temptation to add more mayonnaise, but a little goes a long way. This creamy garlic spread should look more brown and not show traces of mayonnaise. That is key to making these delicious so that the mushrooms and garlic stand out more.
When serving, it is best over chewy baguette slices, which can be toasted or untoasted. A dense and chewy loaf, like my Sourdough Baguettes, will suit best. I often don’t toast the bread, and it’s not necessary if you use a good-quality baguette.
Ways To Use Up Creamy Mushroom Spread:
If you’re not yet convinced to make this delicious mushroom spread, or if you are not a bread person, here are ways it can be used:
- Obviously, this creamy mushroom filling can be spread on bread, but it can also be easily topped over veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers for a light snack.
- Stuff Poultry or fish with this mushroom spread.
- Add this over fresh salads for a garlicky flavor.
- Eat on the side with fish.
Storing Mushroom Spread:
Once the sauteed mushrooms are cool enough to handle, mix in the mayonnaise and add freshly pressed garlic into it. Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. This makes it very quick to pull together some sandwiches if you have bread or smear over veggies for a snack.
Watch How To Make This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Spread:
Ingredients for Ukrainian Mushroom Spread (Hrinky):
- 32 oz white mushrooms, finely chopped or grated
- 1/3 cup Homemade Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about half a head of garlic)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 French Baguette
How To Make Mushroom Spread on Bread (Grenki):
In Russian, “Grenki” is a piece of toasted bread. Ukrainians call this appetizer “Hrinky,” which basically means the same thing. If you want to slice a baguette and toast it, you can go for it. Mushroom Grenki is easy to prepare. Here’s how;
- Wash and pat dry white button mushrooms (or small brown mushrooms).
- Finely chop or grate the mushrooms using a box grater.
- Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and the juices evaporate (about 10-15 minutes).
- When the mushrooms have browned, season them with salt and pepper and transfer them to a glass mixing bowl to cool completely. Once the mushroom mixture is cool, add the mayonnaise and freshly pressed garlic. Mix all the ingredients and keep covered in the refrigerator until serving.
- To serve this creamy garlic mushroom spread, remove the mixture from the fridge and smear enough mushroom spread to cover a slice of bread. Arrange open-faced sandwiches over a plate and serve.
Notes: You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill if desired. Keep in mind that the mushrooms will shrink a lot during the sautéing step, so don’t worry if the amount seems large before frying.
Have you tried this mushroom “hrinky” appetizer? Comment below. Here is the full recipe:
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Creamy Garlic Mushroom Spread on Bread (Grenki)
Equipment
- 1 Large sauté pan
- 1 Box grater or sharp knife, (to chop mushrooms)
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 32 oz white mushrooms, (washed, dried, and finely chopped or grated)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp garlic, (about half a head of garlic)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 French Baguette, (sliced)
Instructions
Directions:
- Preheat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter, chopped mushrooms, and cook until they release their juices and the juices evaporate (about 10-15 minutes). When the mushrooms have browned, season them with salt and pepper and transfer them to a glass mixing bowl to cool completely.
- Once the mushroom mixture is cool, add the mayonnaise and freshly pressed garlic. Mix all the ingredients and keep covered in the refrigerator until serving.
- To serve, spread the mushroom mixture thinly over each slice of bread. Arrange open-faced sandwiches over a plate and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Serving size: one slice of bread has approximately one tablespoon of the mushroom spread.
- You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill if desired.
- Keep in mind that the mushrooms will shrink a lot during the sautéing step, so don't worry if the amount seems too much before frying.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tried this recipe?
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