Fungi cooking

The mushroom is a humble vegetable that could soon see an increase in popularity thanks to Saturday Morning Kitchen chef James Martin.

James has teamed up with the Mushroom Bureau in a bid to get Brits eating more mushrooms and has created six new ways to enjoy them, which I was lucky to sample yesterday.

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I got to try two out of the six dishes he whipped up: mushroom soup with coriander cress and sautéed chicken livers, and the classic mushrooms on toast. They were both delicious. Like Oliver, I would have quite happily asked for more!

And considering mushrooms have so many health benefits (they are high in nutrients and low in calories) it was a guilt free meal...if you don't take into account the double cream and butter (anyone who wathces Saturday Morning Kitchen will know that James' favourite saying is "add butter")!

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James explained: "Mushrooms are such a valuable ingredient. The many varieties provide unique and impressive flavours, not to mention a fantastic texture which compliments most savoury cuisine."

So why not try some of James' delicious recipes at home?

We have two delicious mushroom recipes: www.lady.co.uk/life/food/369-delicious-mushrooms

Words by Melonie Clarke.