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Mushroom Vol-au-Vent with Sour Cream and Thyme
About This Course
Light and airy puff pastry shells (vol-au-vent) are filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed wild mushrooms, tangy sour cream, aromatic fresh thyme, and a hint of garlic. Each vol-au-vent features a crisp, golden exterior that gives way to a velvety interior where earthy mushrooms meld with the richness of sour cream. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and a dusting of ground black pepper, this elegant starter balances textures and flavors in every bite.
Learning Objectives
How to select and prep a mix of wild mushrooms for maximum flavor (cleaning, slicing)
Techniques for sautéing mushrooms to develop deep, caramelized notes without becoming soggy
Crafting a silky, sour cream–based mushroom sauce (balancing acidity and creaminess)
Proper assembly of homemade or store-bought puff pastry shells to maintain crispness
Finishing touches: infusing fresh thyme, seasoning, and plating for an attractive presentation
Material Includes
- Recipe Sheet (Printable PDF):
- Complete ingredient list (types of mushrooms, pastry measurements, seasonings)
- Step-by-step instructions with timing cues and visual cues (e.g., “mushrooms should release juice, then reabsorb until golden”)
- Photo Sequence:
- Cleaned and sliced mushroom assortment spread on a tray
- Puff pastry cut into rounds with centers removed, ready to bake
- Mushrooms sautéing in butter and garlic, showing stages of browning
- Sour cream sauce thickening in pan, with thyme leaves stirred in
- Final plated vol-au-vent with a dollop of mushroom filling and thyme garnish
- Chef’s Tips Sheet:
- Guidance on selecting high-quality puff pastry (homemade vs. store-bought)
- Best practices for cleaning delicate wild mushrooms without waterlogging
- Methods for preventing pastry bottoms from becoming soggy (e.g., par-baking or docking)
- Shopping Guide:
- Suggested varieties of mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, chanterelle, oyster) and local sources
- Preferred brands for sour cream and butter to ensure ideal consistency
- Recommended kitchen tools (e.g., flexible spatula, pastry brush)
Requirements
- Equipment:
- Heavy skillet or sauté pan (for browning mushrooms)
- Baking sheet and parchment paper (for baking puff pastry shells)
- Mixing bowls (one small for egg wash, one medium for coating)
- Whisk and wooden spoon (for sauce preparation)
- Knife and cutting board (for slicing mushrooms and trimming pastry)
- Pastry brush (for applying egg wash)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ingredients:
- Mushrooms: 1 lb total mixed wild mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake, oyster), cleaned and coarsely sliced
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted (for sautéing)
- Shallot: 1 small, finely minced (optional for extra aromatics)
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Fresh Thyme: 2 teaspoons chopped leaves, plus extra for garnish
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon (to thicken sauce)
- Dry White Wine or Vegetable Stock: ¼ cup (for deglazing)
- Sour Cream: ½ cup (full-fat for richness)
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock: ½ cup (low sodium)
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper: To taste
- Puff Pastry Shells: Four 3-inch rounds (homemade or store-bought), centers removed to form cups
- Egg: 1, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Target Audience
- Home cooks seeking to elevate vegetarian appetizers with classic French technique
- Aspiring chefs or culinary students focusing on puff pastry applications
- Hosts planning a sophisticated starter or hors d’œuvre for dinner parties
- Food enthusiasts interested in mastering mushroom cookery and creamy fillings
Curriculum
3 Lessons1h