Portobello Mushroom BBQ
with Sweet Potato Fries and Pickled Red Onions
Barbeque is not only an American tradition, but also a deliciously versatile sauce that’s easy to make at home. In this version, good-quality ketchup is the base along with garlic, cider vinegar, and smoked paprika to spice things up. The sweet potato fries are a personal favorite. Be sure to salt them right out of the oven (to ensure that the salt sticks to them) and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces sweet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil*
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 10 ounces Portobello mushroom caps
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper*
- Garlic
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons turbinado sugar
- 1 onion
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 buns
- *not included
- Parchment paper
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the oven to 425°F. Scrub the potatoes and trim away any dark spots; halve them lengthwise and cut each half into 1/4-inch sticks. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with 1 tablespoon oil. Put the fries in a plastic bag or bowl with the cornstarch and toss to coat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and toss to coat again. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the pan. Roast until they brown and sizzle, 20 to 25 minutes; turn and continue roasting until the other side is golden, 5 to 10 minutes more. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately salt the fries.
Meanwhile, wipe the mushrooms with a damp towel; cut the caps into 1/4-inch slices and put them on another rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the mushrooms with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; toss to coat and spread them out in a single layer on the pan. Roast, stirring once, until they’re slightly browned, 7 to 10 minutes.
Chop the garlic. Put 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about a minute. Add the ketchup and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add the cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Turn the heat down to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened, 3 or 4 minutes. Trim and peel the onion; slice it into 1/4-inch rounds.
Put a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, rice vinegar, a large pinch of salt, and 1 cup water and bring it to a boil; remove the pan from the heat.
Add the mushrooms to the sauce and toss well to coat. To serve, heap the barbecued mushrooms onto the buns and top with the pickled onions; pass the sweet potato fries alongside.