Simple Wild Fermented Shallots Recipes

CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a 12-inch ovenproof saute pan, add the shallots and sugar, and toss to coat. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the shallots start to brown. Add the vinegar, salt, and pepper and toss well.
• Place the saute pan in the oven and roast for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the shallots, until they are tender. Season to taste, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.

SAUTEED WILD MUSHROOMS WITH SHALLOTS AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Trim the mushrooms, wash them in cold water and drain well.
• If the mushrooms are large, slice them or cut them in halves or quarters.
• Heat a large, heavy skillet and add the olive oil. When it is very hot and almost smoking, add the mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook over high heat, shaking and tossing the skillet so that the mushrooms cook evenly until they are browned and crisp. They should be almost mahogany in color.
• Add the butter, and quickly sprinkle in the bread crumbs, shallots and garlic, and toss well for 10 seconds. Add the parsley and serve immediately.

FRIED SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Using a mandoline, slice the shallots into 1/16-​inch-​thick rounds. Line a rimmed baking sheet with 6 layers of paper towels. Set a fine-​mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl or medium saucepan.
• Combine shallots and oil in a medium saucepan or wok. Place over medium-​high heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the shallots begin to bubble, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue cooking, stirring constantly as the shallots fry to ensure even cooking, until the shallots turn pale golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes longer. (The shallots will continue cooking for a brief period after draining, so do not allow them to get too dark.) Working quickly, pour the contents of the saucepan into the strainer. Save oil for another use, like stir-frying noodles or fried rice, or for using in marinades, or as the base of homemade chili oil.
• Immediately transfer the shallots to the prepared baking sheet, spread them out into an even layer, and season with salt. Allow the shallots to drain, then carefully lift the top layer of paper towels and roll the shallots onto the second layer, blotting gently with the first. Repeat until the shallots are on the last layer of paper towels and mostly grease-​free. Allow the shallots and oil to cool to room temperature, then store separately in airtight containers and refrigerate.