Foraging Chicken of the Woods is always an adventure, especially when you find nearly 30 lbs of it in October! Late-season COTW foraging is definitely possible in climates like San Diego, thanks to the heavy marine layer we’ve had this year. I came across these bright, meaty mushrooms on different trees around Ocean Beach, and each find felt like hitting the jackpot. Inspired by one of my favorite local spots, I decided to put a spin on the classic Chicken Over Rice, swapping the chicken for these wild mushrooms. This dish blends the earthy, tender mushrooms with warm spices and a tangy Greek yogurt sauce, making it hearty yet refreshing. Let’s dive in!
"Chicken" Over Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups yellow rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb Chicken of the Woods mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
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Cook the Yellow Rice:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté the diced onions until softened.
- Add garlic, turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add your yellow rice and cook according to package instructions, adding vegetable stock for extra flavor if desired.
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Prepare the Chicken of the Woods:
- In a separate pan, bring vegetable stock to a boil. Add the sliced Chicken of the Woods mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
- Once the mushrooms have absorbed some of the stock, sauté them in a pan with olive oil until they’re tender but slightly crispy on the edges, about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Make the Greek Yogurt Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Serve the yellow rice as a base.
- Top with the sautéed Chicken of the Woods mushrooms.
- Garnish with diced cucumber, tomato, and fresh parsley.
- Drizzle the Greek yogurt sauce over everything.
Note: While you can easily grow mushrooms at home with my grow kits, Chicken of the Woods is a unique find that can only be foraged in the wild. If you're ready to start your mushroom-growing journey, check out my grow kits for other delicious varieties like Oyster and Lion’s Mane!
This recipe is not just a tribute to a local favorite but a celebration of foraging, cooking, and creating with wild mushrooms. If you're into mushrooms and want to grow your own, be sure to check out my mushroom grow kits to get started!
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