Mushrooms a Worthy Stand-In for Meat in This Thai Recipe

Mushrooms contain about 2 grams of protein per cup, with nine essential amino acids, making them a “complete protein.”

Mushrooms are one of the best plant proteins. With their rich, deep umami flavor and dense texture, they make a wonderful alternative to meat. Elkeflorida/Dreamstime/TNS

Spring is a season of surprises. Suddenly the asparagus appear, next it’s delicate peas, tender lettuces, and fistfuls of fresh herbs.

Week after week, the farmers markets offer increasing bounty to tempt and delight. I’ll bring these market staples home to round out a meal: farmstead beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and an array of locally grown wild mushrooms—oyster, shiitake, maitake, and my favorite, dark brown chestnut mushrooms, with tight, firm caps.