Cravings: Mushroom & Leek Torte
Did you ever crave something so badly that you can taste it?
Most people crave chocolate or potato chips.
I had a serious craving for mushrooms.
Maybe because I rarely use them in a recipe, since my husband detests them.
What a pity.
If you love mushrooms, then this recipe is a must. It is a torte, and has no real crust except for a coating of parmesan cheese (please use the good stuff).
You can use any mixture of mushrooms, wild, criminis, shitake, or just plain old button shrooms.
I added leeks to the recipe and a splash of balsamic vinegar to the hot pan.
The results were fantastic.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MpZhl8TbE8oaooag2XqAVaQTAOrF-ZC3l1unViTzLMzFvHJ5fPAB-WrpyJeL0tBw7UgITZ7D92QGvz5cYYmz-UuQyTOuSsMgfkB9S0TRQBaUTd5QFD7UcArOxRASFoDpQBIbggq021w/s400/mushroom+torte9.jpg)
Mushroom & Leek Torte: (inspired from Living and Eating Cookbook)
16oz. package wild mushroom mix, sliced
2 large leeks (or 4 small ones), washed & trimmed, saving only the white parts, sliced thin
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tbsp butter
olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Brush an 8" springform pan with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter to grease.
Sprinkle the greased pan with a dusting of parmesan cheese to coat.
This will be your crust!
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of butter with some olive oil and on medium-high heat, cook the leeks and mushrooms until they start to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
At the very end of cooking, splash with the balsamic vinegar.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsezM54fg9Bm-eYqv1bL5uxP3U7gjJAtFBCODoYi0Msgwj8_XBZ09f6oin9HZ7IthtGIlz9KBexLUzJn-VrZ4lFfFw5GR-iW2tg4p_xf3b8CXQDFEDPSE0MVwuut80Umi5nfNpXET02mw/s400/mushroom+torte+collage.jpg)
In a food processor, pulse half of the cooked leek and mushroom mixture until it becomes a paste consistency.
Combine the mushroom puree with the remaining solid mushroom leek mixture from the skillet into a large bowl.
Add 2 cups of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, the parsley, beaten eggs and heavy cream to the mushroom mixture and combine. Season with salt & pepper.
Pour into the prepared springform pan and bake on a baking sheet for 35-40 minutes until golden.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRkymUM2N6vmgw6mzpXCgXIkpFOHM8sQB0U-iN3f9um9D-lbfIZ-mtIQWv_xp5RBcPTEEeTrVwNdP3TlJV6ybccqlB-eC2ZlE_pSXo1cb6VHDbFhhRZILcsF0D7yF0dqw8VS5_EzqoAU/s400/mushroom+torte5.jpg)
Let cool about 15 minutes, then remove the outer ring and slice.
Serve with a nice arugula salad w/ a lemon vinaigrette.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqJXiF8g-lEX1hqQcMQ3iC8fSqThj_DZxVynV5SYFESUmas4iMPG0NgLk-lQQoa4izm9CBVHwhqNARBHd2Q_Oh98bLG22ru_T8KSmqe-u1aDHJPrKD69sDRllHzMzH5A_RElOGjVe_uI/s400/mushroom+torte8.jpg)
My craving has been satisfied!
This was really lovely.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUU1IpJUy_cJrRTswIglcUm-rzNFSQl1ZZoLPULgUVdML1Cy2LX4eKYlrb9J9ubUUmbyJSXNbaO6Pu0jac1aOxn3cp0gUKOhdyQK4zSNPv9jySWQ_D2FixoUFM_3ZzEXN-4JxGPDvgkA/s200/market_basket.png)
![](http://s9.addthis.com/button1-bm.gif)
Comments
My husband might actually eat this if I keep mum about the quantity of parmesan in it. This looks like a great Friday night meal. I definitely want to give it a try.
No, not mushy at all.
In fact, once it cools, it is quite firm.
Stacey
This sure looks great! Love mushrooms, love leeks.