Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of the Black Forest with this quick and easy Hunter Sauce with Mushrooms. This sauce features smoky Black Forest bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy base, making it perfect for pairing with various dishes. Whether you’re preparing a hearty meal for family or friends, this sauce will add depth and flavor to any dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a delicious homemade sauce.
Preparation Time:
- Total time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 100 to 150 g (3.5 to 5.3 ounces) Black Forest bacon (approx. ½ to ⅔ cup, diced)
- 250 g (8.8 ounces) mushrooms (approx. 2 cups, sliced)
- 2 leveled tablespoons tomato sauce or tomato paste (approx. 30 g)
- 1 leveled tablespoon flour (approx. 8 g)
- 2 splashes dry white wine (approx. 2 tablespoons)
- 1 splash oil or a little butter (approx. 1 tablespoon)
- 1 medium to large onion (approx. 1 cup, finely chopped)
- 220 ml (1 cup) whipping cream or cooking cream
- 1 heaped tablespoon beef broth or frying sauce (approx. 15 g)
- 2 pinches salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion and cut the bacon into small pieces.
- Clean and slice the mushrooms.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Heat a splash of oil or butter in a medium pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion and bacon until the onion is translucent and the bacon begins to crisp.
- Add the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and start to brown.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stir well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the cream and beef broth or frying sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Season and Finish:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
- Serve immediately over meats, pasta, or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
- Pair with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a rich, comforting meal.
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use as a dipping sauce for crusty bread or pretzels.
Cooking Tips:
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little more cream or broth.
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of cooking cream.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; a splash of Worcestershire sauce can add an extra layer of umami.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in protein from the bacon and mushrooms.
- Contains healthy fats from the cream.
- Low in carbohydrates, making it a good choice for low-carb diets.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, especially from the mushrooms.
Dietary Information:
- This sauce contains dairy and meat, making it unsuitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
- Gluten-free if gluten-free flour is used.
- Low in carbohydrates and suitable for keto diets.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 1mg
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The combination of smoky bacon and creamy mushrooms adds rich, comforting flavors to any dish.
- Versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses, from meats to vegetables.
- A simple yet gourmet sauce that elevates everyday meals into something special.
Conclusion:
This Black Forest Hunter Sauce with Mushrooms is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Its rich, creamy texture and smoky, earthy flavors make it a perfect companion to a variety of dishes, from meats to pasta to vegetables. Quick and easy to prepare, this sauce will become a staple in your kitchen, adding a touch of the Black Forest to your culinary creations. Enjoy the savory goodness in every bite, and watch your meals come to life with this delicious sauce.
10 Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Can I use a different type of bacon?
- Yes, any smoked bacon can be used, but Black Forest bacon adds a unique flavor.
- Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
- You can use chicken broth or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
- Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
- Yes, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- What can I use if I don’t have whipping cream?
- You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy cream substitute.
- Can I freeze the sauce?
- Yes, the sauce freezes well. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- What type of mushrooms work best?
- Cremini, button, or portobello mushrooms work well, but any variety can be used.
- How can I make the sauce thicker?
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer, or add a little more flour to thicken.
- Can I use this sauce for pasta?
- Absolutely! It pairs wonderfully with pasta, especially fettuccine or penne.
- What other herbs or spices can I add?
- Thyme, rosemary, or parsley would complement the flavors nicely.