Fall

Mushrooms and Garbanzos on Toast with Cider and Thyme

by:
February  2, 2015
4.5
2 Ratings
Mushrooms and Garbanzos on Toast with Cider and Thyme
Photo by Mark Weinberg
  • Prep time 10 minutes
  • Cook time 25 minutes
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

Inspired by the daily lunch menu of my favorite restaurant, this dish is special because it’s quick and comforting. The cider melds in with the mushrooms and garbanzos to make a sweet, slightly savory gravy. I used hard cider and splurged on fancy shiitake mushrooms from our local mushroomery. A cider-juice and any type of mushroom will work, though the nicer ones will result in a richer flavor. Choose a thick, rustic-type bread to hold up to the mushrooms and garbanzos. —Rebecca Fallihee | GUTSy Performance Nutrition

Test Kitchen Notes

Maybe it's because of the long military influence in my life, but I love savory sauces served over bread or toast. I had not, however, had any sauce or gravy with an apple cider base and had no clue what it would taste like. It was a tasty surprise! I can't believe that I was actually nervous pouring the cider in!
I followed the instructions exactly, but used baby portobellas instead of shiitake mushrooms and in no time had a brunch that included my favorite legume - garbanzos. The instructions and measurements were spot on.
My boyfriend and I loved the combination. The portobellas had a texture well matched to the garbanzos, the cider flavor was enhanced by reducing and added seasonings. I have enough ingredients to make another batch and my one tweak will be to add some crisped up pancetta for an added layer of flavor. I'm definitely going to be making this for weekend guests. Bravo Rebecca!! —Tania - The Oceanside House HB

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
  • 1 splash apple cider vinegar
  • 3/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked garbanzo beans
  • 1 1/2 cups hard apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon arrowroot starch
  • 1 splash water
  • 2 thickly sliced gluten-free bread, toasted
Directions
  1. In a medium sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the shallot and cook until they are soft and sizzling, 4 to 5 minutes.
  2. Add in the mushrooms, thyme, and vinegar, and cook until the mushrooms start to soften.
  3. Stir in the poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and garbanzos, then pour in the cider.
  4. Once the cider starts to bubble, turn it down to a low simmer, and cook until the cider is reduced by half to three-quarters, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a small dish, whisk in the arrowroot starch with a splash of water, then pour the mixture into the mushrooms and beans. Let cook another minute or so, until the mixture thickens.
  6. Toast the bread, then lay each slice on a plate or in a shallow bowl. Spoon the mushroom mixture atop and serve warm.
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  • Rebecca Fallihee | GUTSy Performance Nutrition
    Rebecca Fallihee | GUTSy Performance Nutrition
  • Camilla Maybee
    Camilla Maybee
  • Christina
    Christina

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4 Reviews

Christina
Christina March 2, 2020
Do you have a specific gluten-free bread that works well for this recipe? Can't wait to try this!
 
Rebecca F.
Rebecca F. March 2, 2020
Great question Christina. Unless you have a local bakery that specializes in gluten-free, making it yourself is your best bet for a hearty gf slice. I have a couple recipes on my blog that are wonderful:
Whole-Grain GF Sourdough: https://eggplantandolive.com/2018/07/18/whole-grain-gluten-free-sourdough-bread/
Struan: https://eggplantandolive.com/2016/08/21/aged-cheddar-brown-bread-tomato-chutney/

Otherwise, you might check out Bread Srsly or Young Kobras brands, which I believe ship anywhere in the US.
 
Rebecca F.
Rebecca F. March 2, 2015
Thanks Camilla, I'm glad you enjoyed!
 
Camilla M.
Camilla M. February 27, 2015
Such a nice idea for a quick dinner when all of us are on different schedules. I made a big batch and all we have to do is toast our own bread. Thanks so much for sharing!