Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious, low-carb appetizer. They are naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, making them an excellent option for those managing diabetes. A single cup of raw mushrooms contains only about 15 calories and a mere 2 grams of carbs. Additionally, mushrooms are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which play a crucial role in energy production and maintaining brain health. Mushrooms also contain selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage, and potassium, which supports heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Portions: 4-6
Glycemic Index (GI): 15 (Low)
Glycemic Load (GL): 1 (Low)
Ingredients:
- Button mushrooms (about 16-20, depending on size)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mushrooms: Wash the mushrooms and remove their stems. Set the caps aside and finely chop the stems.
- Sauté the Filling: In a skillet, sauté the chopped mushroom stems with minced garlic until they are tender and fragrant. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mushrooms and spinach with the softened cream cheese. Mix well until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Stuff the Mushrooms: Stuff each mushroom cap generously with the cream cheese mixture. Arrange the stuffed mushrooms in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching to allow for even cooking. Lightly sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook: Cook the mushrooms in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, checking them occasionally to ensure they are cooking evenly. The mushrooms should be tender, and the cheese should be golden and slightly crispy.
Variations:
- Crab and Cheese Filling: Mix fresh crab meat with cream cheese, a bit of lemon zest, and a dash of Old Bay seasoning for an elegant twist.
- Sausage and Herb Filling: Cook some Italian sausage, crumble it, and mix it with cream cheese, chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
These variations add different flavors and textures, keeping your appetizers exciting and versatile.