The Lion King

In this vegetarian recipe, lion's mane mushrooms are the star of the show.  They are breaded and fried in the style of a classic chicken parm but taken to another level with a bright and flavorful ramp salsa verde on homemade giardiniera spiced focaccia. Read the recipe below, or..

Recipe Details:

Serves: 2

Cook Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

Giardiniera Focaccia:

2 1/2 Cups Bread Flour

1 1/4 Tsp IDY

1 Tsp honey

2 1/2 tsp kosher salt

3 tsp olive oil

1 1/4 cups of lukewarm water

1 tsp of JP Graziano Mild Giardiniera seasoning (sub italian seasoning if needed)

Ramp Salsa Verde:

2 Tbsp minced ramp leaves

2 Tbsp minced flat leaf parsley

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp chopped capers

1 tsp calabrian chiles

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice of half a small lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Lion's Mane Parm:

Ingredients:

One large lion's mane mushroom

2 cups AP Flour

2 eggs

2 cups Italian Breadcrumbs

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Neutral frying Oil of your choice

1/2 cup marinara (homemade or store bought) 

1/2 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella 

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1. Make Dough and Salsa:

   • Mix salt and flour in a medium bowl.

   • Combine Instant Dry Yeast, honey, and water in another bowl.

   • Combine wet and dry ingredients until fully mixed with no dry spots.

   • Cover with olive oil and place in a covered container in the fridge for 24 hours.

   • Remove from fridge and press dough into an oiled 8x10 pan.

   • Let rise until bubbly, about 2 hours.

   • Dimple the dough with your fingers.

   • Top with giardiniera seasoning and flaky salt.

   • Bake at 450°F for 20-25 minutes.

   • Mix together ramp salsa ingredients and set aside.

2. Lion’s Mane Parm:

   • Slice one large lion's mane mushroom into 1-inch steaks.

   • Season flour with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.

   • Coat mushrooms in flour, beaten egg, then breadcrumbs.

   • Fry in a skillet over medium heat until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

   • Season with salt and rest on a wire rack.

   • Top each with marinara and mozzarella.

   • Melt cheese under a broiler or kitchen torch.

3. Build Sandwich:

   • Spread marinara on the bottom half of your focaccia.

   • Top with two mushroom cutlets and a large spoonful of salsa verde.