Mushrooms have always been a favorite vegetable of my kids, this is why I always add it to their favorite dishes like carbonara, salads or even simple sautéed pork and beef dishes. Little did I know that mushrooms are good for the heart since they have chemicals that prevent the formation of plaque from forming in the arteries. They also help boost the immune system and have anti-cancer properties. A study in 2006 revealed that eating ½ cup of button mushrooms daily can stop the growth of breast cancer tumors. They also protect the body against colon and prostate cancers. Button mushrooms were found to contain Vitamins C, D and B and the minerals copper, selenium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. For me though, the number one benefit of button mushroom is their low calorie content – so they’re truly great as meat substitutes or extenders because they don’t have the same calorie content as meat!
This next recipe that I cooked for the kids’ baon came from another fave food blogger (Mga Luto ni Dennis at iba pa). You can get the exact recipe from his site just look for Chicken Mushroom in Oyster Sauce. The ingredients are chicken (fillet or any part you want), a can of mushrooms, calamansi juice, garlic, onion, sugar, cornstarch, salt and pepper (to taste) and of course, oyster sauce. The dish called for marinating the chicken pieces overnight in salt, pepper and calamansi juice. Then the next morning, I pan fried the chicken pieces in oil until no longer pink and set aside.
Then, the garlic and onion are sautéed. Mushrooms are added, the chicken returned to the pan then the water (inside the can of mushrooms) and finally the oyster sauce. Add a bit of sugar and let the liquid boil until reduced. You may opt to add cornstarch in a little water to make the sauce thicker. Turn off the heat and serve hot. Or cool them a bit before placing in covered containers for the kids’ baon. Thanks Dennis for another delicious dish that my kids will surely love!
