AMGA sponsors “Australia’s Best Mushroom Pie” competition.

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Mark your calendars, Australia—October 15 is World Mushroom Day, and what better way to celebrate than by showcasing one of the world’s most versatile and delicious ingredients: Australian mushrooms! Whether you’re a long-time mushroom lover or just getting into cooking with these fabulous fungi, we’ve got you covered with 10 incredible mushroom-inspired recipes from 10 different countries. These dishes highlight how mushrooms can take center stage in any cuisine.

This World Mushroom Day, head down to your local market, grab some fresh mushrooms, and try one (or more!) of these global recipes. Cook up a storm for your family and friends and join us in celebrating the tasty, versatile and healthy goodness of mushrooms.

Here’s a culinary trip around the world, all from the comfort of your kitchen!

 

For something hearty, give this Greek Mushroom Stifado a go. It’s a rich, slow-cooked stew that’s full of bold flavours like red wine and tomatoes, with mushrooms soaking up all that goodness. Just serve with some crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This 30-Minute Mushroom Laksa brings the rich, aromatic flavours of Southeast Asia to your table in no time. It’s a deliciously comforting noodle soup that’s bursting with flavour.

Fancy a bit of British flair? This Duxelles & Individual Beef Wellington gives you that restaurant-quality meal at home. Mushrooms add a delicious juicy layer, and the crispy golden puff pastry will make this a family fave. 

Take your taste buds on a trip to the Middle East with Mushroom Shawarma. Marinated in a blend of spices, these mushrooms are roasted until they’re tender and juicy. Serve them with pita, tahini, and fresh veggies for a light and tasty meal.

If you’re after something warm and nourishing, this Miso Sesame Crusted Mushroom Udon Noodle Soup hits the spot. The mushrooms are crusted in sesame seeds for a bit of crunch, while the miso broth gives the soup its signature umami kick.

Try something different with this West African Mushroom Suya. The mushrooms are simmered in a spicy, flavourful sauce that packs a punch. It’s bold, vibrant, and guaranteed to a firm favourite for any family dinner table. Yum!

Creamy and comforting, this Mixed Mushroom Stroganoff is an absolute winner. With rich, earthy mushrooms cooked in a luscious sauce, it’s quick to whip up and perfect for a cozy night in.

Short on time? You’ll love this Microwave Mushroom Risotto. It’s creamy, delicious, and so simple. Just pop it in the microwave, and in a few minutes, you’ve got yourself a bowl of Italian comfort food.

Taco night? These Tex Mex Pulled Mushroom Tacos are a game changer. The mushrooms are shredded and cooked with bold spices, then topped with fresh salsa and crumbled queso fresco. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser.

Put an Aussie twist on your dinner with Mushroom Schnitzel Parmigiana. You can’t go wrong with a golden, crumbed mushroom schnitzel topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s a vegetarian take on a pub classic that everyone will love.

For the first time in history, one lucky bakery in Australia will soon claim a very “Aussie” crown of glory; for baking “Australia’s Best Mushroom Pie.”

The Baking Association of Australia (BAA) hosts its annual trade show in Sydney this May, which includes the industries baking competitions and awards. The three-day event attracts bakers from around the nation and typically receives over 17,000 entries, who compete for several titles including the industry’s two most prestigious and nationally recognised awards, ‘Australia’s Best Pie’ and ‘Australia’s Best Pastie.’

This year, through a sponsorship with the Australian Mushroom Growers Association (AMGA), the BAA have included a new competition segment to award “Australia’s Best Mushroom Pie,” the first competition of its kind in BAAs 60-year history.

Australia's Best Mushroom Pie Competition

The Baking Association of Australia (BAA) Chairman, Tony Smith said the new mushroom competition segment is sure to excite the baking competitors this year. “We have a few different comps for the bakers, including Australia’s best mince beef pie, best poultry, best seafood etc; but this is the first time in BAAs history that we have had a specific competition segment for a mushroom pie, so I know the bakers will be excited about it. It will be great to see what flavours they invent.”

Ryan & Chan Khun. Country Cob Bakery

"The winner of the 2020 "Australia's Best Pie" for 2020 was made by brothers Ryan and Chan Khun Country Cob Bakery Boronia Vic it was a Pepper-beef Pie. Which was a really tasty pie" Mr Smith added.

For the mushroom pie segment in 2021, contestants are being asked to use white mushrooms, swiss browns or portobello mushrooms only, as these are the typical mushrooms found in most supermarkets and represent 98% of the mushrooms sold in Australia. The freshest of fresh mushrooms to be used at the competition are being donated by Kim and Chris at Margins Mushrooms in Woy Woy. 

The winner of "Australia's Best Mushroom Pie" will then compete for the overall national title of "Australia's Best Pie".

AMGA Relationship and General Manager, Martine Poulain explains the new competition segment will be a big help to the Australian mushroom industry. “If you walk into any bakery in Australia, you can usually find mushrooms being used as a second ingredient in a pie; like a steak and mushroom or chicken and mushroom pie, but rarely do you find a pie with mushrooms as the hero ingredient. We are seeing more and more Australians choosing a meat free or flexitarian diet, so bakers have a great opportunity here to cater for this customer by using mushrooms.”

“We are hoping that this competition segment will ignite the imagination of bakers around Australia to think outside the “steak and mushroom” pie box and consider using mushrooms as a hero ingredient pies.” Ms Poulain added.

“We never know what we are going to get from the contestants, so it’s exciting to see what type of pie will take out the big title each year.” Mr Smith said.

The Baking Industry Trade Show is being held on 25-27 May. Entries are for ‘Australia’s Best Pie’ competition are open now. For more information or to register visit www.baa.asn.au

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This World Mushroom Day, let’s come together to celebrate one of the worlds most versatile ingredients by cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving something rich and comforting, fresh and light, or spicy and bold, there’s a mushroom recipe for you. So head to your local market, grab some mushrooms, and help us celebrate World Mushroom Day—one delicious dish at a time!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us! Tag your mushroom masterpieces with #WorldMushroomDay and spread the love of mushrooms across the globe.