Sausage-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Makes 4 to 6 servings


Active time: 15 minutes


Start to finish: 45 minutes

VARIATIONS

Substitute Andouille Sausage or Smoky Beef Summer Sausage for Smoked Kielbasa.

Substitute cheddar or Parmesan for Gruyère.

Hearty and meaty Portobello mushrooms are enhanced with a sausage filling. Potato salad is a nice addition to this plate.

4 to 6 (4-inch wide) Portobello mushrooms, stems discarded and wiped with a damp paper towel.

1/4 cup olive oil, divided

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 large shallot, chopped

1/2 pound Smoked Kielbasa, French Garlic Sausage, or purchased cooked sausage, chopped

3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

1/2 cup grated Gruyère

1. Prepare a medium-hot charcoal or gas grill.

2. Brush mushrooms with 2 tablespoons oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and sausage, and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes, or until shallot is translucent. Scrape mixture into a mixing bowl, and add breadcrumbs and mayonnaise, and stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and set aside.

4. Grill mushrooms stem side down for 5 minutes. Remove mushrooms from the grill and place them on a baking sheet. Divide sausage mixture into grilled side of mushrooms, and sprinkle with cheese.

5. Return mushrooms to the grill, stuffing side up, and grill, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until cheese melts and mushrooms are tender. Serve immediately.

Note: The mushrooms can be pre-cooked and stuffed up to 6 hours in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered.