Dish of Dried Mushroom Salad, Yunnan
(click to enlarge)

Dried Mushroom Salad


China, Yunnan, Mosuo

Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  
8 oz
**
1-1/4 hr
Most
An very intense salad from the Tibetan region of northwest Yunnan. In small bowls it can make 3 or even 4 servings.

2-1/4
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2
1
1
1/4
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ar

oz
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T
T
T
t
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Mushroom,dry (1)  
-- Dressing
Black Vinegar (2)
Soy Sauce
Chili Oil (3)
Salt
-- Finish
Cilantro

Make   -   (1-1/4 hr - 15 min work)
  1. Soak MUSHROOMS in cool water until softened as far as they will go. For Shiitakes (Chinese Black Mushroom) this will be at least an hour.
  2. Stem Mushrooms and slice less than 1/4 inch wide. For some mushrooms the stems can be used, but no Shiitakes.
  3. Mix all Dressing Items into the Mushrooms, tumbling well.
  4. Chop CILANTRO coarse. Including some of the thinner stems is fine.
  5. When about ready to serve, tumble in the Cilantro.
  6. Serve at room temperature in very small bowls.
NOTES:
  1. Mushrooms:

      The photo example was made with Shiitakes (Chinese Black Mushrooms). Other Dried Mushrooms will also work, with very different flavors. The Asian markets here in Los Angeles have many varieties, but in most places you will be limited. Porcinis would probably have to be soaked overnight. For details see our Mushrooms & Fungus page.
  2. Black Vinegar:

      Typical of the Southeast Asian corner of Yunnan, this salad should have a definite chili bite. For most people, one Thai Chili (red or green) will be plenty, but use your own best judgement. For details see our Vinegar & Souring Agents page.
  3. Chili Oil:

      This amount given is for Chili Oil as made by our Chili Oil recipe. If using commercial Chili Oil, proceed with caution, as they can be a lot hotter.
  4. Comments:

      Vegans should note that Mushrooms are far more closely related to Animals than to Plants. We don't know what kind of consciousness their tangled, thread like bodies may have, but some scientists think these far reaching threads are used by some plants as an Internet over which to transmit warnings.
  5. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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