Appetizer Vegetarian · Appetizers

Portobello “fries” with truffled aioli

This addicting recipe is from the great Eric Ripert” chef at my favorite fish restaurant, Le Bernadin.

Serves 8

The fries

8 Portobello mushrooms
3 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups fine breadcrumbs
1 cup grated pecorino cheese
1 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup all purpose flour
canola oil for frying

The truffled aioli

2 egg yolks
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup canola oil
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tbsp white truffle oil
fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim the stems of the mushrooms, remove the gills and gently wipe the caps with a damp cloth.
Cut the Portobello caps into 1/2 inch strips

Combine breadcrumbs, cheese, thyme, salt and pepper in a shallow dish.  Toss the mushrooms “fries” in flour to coat evenly, then dip into the egg and roll in the breadcrumbs.

Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, place the breaded mushrooms strips in the hot oil and cook on all sides until golden brown, 3 – 4 minutes.
Transfer to a paper lined tray.

To make the aioli;

Combine the egg yolks, lemon juice and garlic in a blender, turn the blended on medium and drizzle the canola oil and olive oil into the blender in a steady stream until emulsified into the eggs and is fully incorporated.
Season with truffle oil, salt and freshly ground pepper.