Pioppino Mushroom Recipe: How to Cook Pioppino Mushrooms

Pioppino mushrooms (Agrocybe aegerita) are a fungus in the Cyclocybe genus of the Strophariaceae mycological family, recognizable by their long, thin stems and flat, silky caps. Also known as Black Poplar mushrooms, Pioppinos grow in clusters primarily found on Poplar trees. The firm texture of this fungus makes it an excellent choice for high-heat cooking methods, like sautéing, frying, and roasting.

You’ll most likely find these gourmet mushrooms at a local farmers’ market in late summer and fall.

Pioppino mushrooms have an earthy, nutty flavor with subtly sweet, floral, and peppery notes. Its relatively mild flavor makes this fungus the perfect addition to many dishes.

These mild mushrooms make a nutritious addition to recipes ranging from hearty grain dishes to lighter salads and stir-frys.

1. 1. Pioppino pasta: Incorporate these fresh mushrooms into classic pasta dishes, like beef stroganoff or wild mushroom gnocchi, or use them as a vegetarian meat alternative in tomato-based sauces and cream sauces. Garnish mushroom pastas with fresh herbs, like thyme and tarragon, to complement the uniquely earthy flavor. Learn how to make mushroom pasta.
2. 2. Pioppino polenta: Top a plate of polenta, a porridge made of coarse- or medium-ground cornmeal common in Northern Italian cooking, with flavorful braised Pioppino mushrooms for a rich vegetarian comfort food dish. Learn how to make polenta.
3. 3. Pioppino risotto: This creamy Italian arborio rice dish pairs perfectly with meaty Pioppinos. Learn how to make Chef Wolfgang Puck’s easy mushroom risotto.
4. 4. Pioppino mushroom stew: This savory, one-pot dish involves braising mushrooms and aromatics into a creamy vegan stew that diners can enjoy as a soup or gravy. Like its non-vegan counterpart, beef stew, Pioppino mushroom soup traditionally incorporates veggies like diced sweet potato, green beans, or carrots, and legumes like lentils, chickpeas, or white beans. Learn how to make mushroom stew.
5. 5. Pioppino salad: Add sliced raw Pioppino mushrooms to any leafy garden salad for a hint of earthy flavor.

Follow these tips to pull off any simple Pioppino mushroom recipe with ease.

1. 1. Store the mushrooms properly. Store your Pioppino mushrooms in a paper bag in the back of the refrigerator, rather than in the produce drawer. Storing mushrooms this way will provide a cool environment with good airflow, preventing them from spoiling prematurely.
2. 2. Give the mushrooms a quick rinse. Rather than soaking fresh mushrooms in water to remove dirt and debris, it’s best to give them a quick rinse under a cold, running tap. Alternatively, brush off excess dirt using a mushroom brush or damp paper towel. Place the rinsed Pioppino mushrooms on a kitchen towel and gently pat them dry using paper towels. Learn more about how to clean mushrooms.
3. 3. Cook with high heat. Cook these hearty vegetables over high heat to create perfectly caramelized mushrooms. Their sturdy texture holds up well under extreme temperatures.
4. 4. Give the mushrooms room to cook. Mushrooms release liquid as they cook, so give them ample room to breathe in the pan to prevent them from turning soggy.
5. 5. Experiment with additions. This versatile mushroom pairs well with a wide variety of seasonings, herbs (like sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme), condiments (like soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce), proteins, and vegetables (like shallots and chives).