Georgian Recipes

Wild Oyster mushrooms are called ‘Kalmakha’ in Georgia and grow on the bark of trees. They look, smell and taste like oysters and are a popular appetizer in Georgia. In this family recipe we show how to prepare wild oyster mushrooms with bacon. We used smoked bacon from Georgia’s Racha region. This particular bacon is famous throughout Georgia for its taste and aroma. Any good quality smoked, fatty bacon can be used.

Ingredients: 1 kilo of Oyster Mushrooms, 300 grams of fatty smoked bacon, 7 small or 4 medium sized onions, 2 hot green peppers, 25 grams of fresh basil, 25 grams of fresh green coriander, 2-3 bay leaves, 5 cloves of garlic, and salt (amount dependent upon personal preference).

Preparation: Wash the mushrooms and add to a pot of boiling salted water and cook on a medium heat for 45 minutes. When the mushrooms are cooked, drain the water with a sieve.

Slice the bacon and chop the onions.

Add the bacon to a pan and fry on a low heat for around 7-8 minutes, turning mid-way. There should be no need for any oil as the bacon will fry in its own fat.

Add the onions and continue to fry for 4-5 minutes on a medium heat, stirring occasionally. When they are ready, add the fried bacon and onions, together with crushed garlic, to the cooked mushrooms. Mix thoroughly. Heat on a low temperature for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Chop the basil and coriander. Slice the green peppers. Add to the pan, together with salt (amount dependent upon personal preference). Mix thoroughly and remove from the heat.

Serving: Serve hot.

Enjoy your Oyster Mushrooms with Rachuli Bacon!