Grilled King Trumpet Mushrooms with Spicy Almond Dip
These meaty King Trumpet mushroom skewers make an incredible appetizer. The spicy almond dip is nutty, aromatic, and perfect for dipping other vegetables as well.
Servings: 4-8 (1-½ cups dip)
Ingredients
1-½ cups slivered almonds
½ each Thai chili, rough chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided
1 each clove garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ cup water
Kosher salt, to taste
1 pound RI Mushroom Co. King Trumpet mushrooms, trimmed, cut ½-inch thick planks
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Coarse chili flake, for garnish (optional)
Non-stick grill spray, as needed
Directions
Add the slivered almonds to a large sauté pan over medium-low. Gently toast the almonds, tossing occasionally (careful, they burn easily) until the almonds are a light brown and have a rich and nutty aroma, about 5-8 minutes. Let cool.
Transfer cooled almonds to a blender or food processor with half a Thai chili and crushed garlic clove and blend until almonds are finely ground. Add lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, and water. Blend, adding more water by the tablespoon if needed, until the dip is smooth and creamy (small pieces of almond are fine). Season to taste with kosher salt.
Prepare RI Mushroom Co. King Trumpet mushrooms by slicing lengthwise into ½-inch planks. Pierce through the middle with a bamboo skewer. Score the mushrooms with a sharp knife on both sides. There should be 10-15 skewers.
Heat a grill on high. Spray each mushroom skewer with non-stick grill spray and place onto the grill. Cook mushrooms until tender and lightly charred, about 2-3 minutes per side. Before removing from the grill, evenly brush or drizzle the mushrooms with the remaining 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the grill.
Serve mushrooms along with the prepared almond dip. Dust the skewers with coarse chili flake, to taste. Enjoy immediately!
Chef’s Notes:
Alternatively, place almonds on a baking sheet in a 350 °F oven turning occasionally until golden. ~8-10 minutes
The almond dip can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time.