Ingredient Spotlight: Porcini Mushrooms

Porcini mushrooms, also called boletus mushrooms, are a popular staple in Italian and French cuisine. These large, meaty morsels of fungi goodness are often available year-round at Far West Fungi in San Francisco.

They are often expensive, but around September, the prices drop, so we're looking forward to next month. If fresh ones can't be found, pickled or dried ones will do in a pinch. Porcini mushrooms are full of rich, earthy flavor and are delicious in risottos, soups, or sliced and grilled with a steak. Give them a try!

(Image: Kathryn Hill)