Skip to main content

Pheromone Salad

I have to say that this is one of my all-time favorite salads, my variation of an Alice Waters recipe I came across years ago, and I’ve always loved the simplicity and the flavor. Shave the mushrooms immediately prior to serving, so that they release their aromas. It’s so intoxicating that you’d think they were pheromones. This salad is actually pretty sexy.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1/2 pound button porcini mushrooms, shaved with a mandoline
1/2 cup best-quality olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    You need to make each salad individually so the gentle shavings don’t get bruised or broken. With this few ingredients, everything must be perfect, so take your time and allow yourself to feel the art of creating each plate.

    Step 2

    Set out 4 dinner plates. Gently divide the porcini slices among the plates, spreading them out on the plates almost like a carpaccio. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle with lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt, and crack pepper to taste over each salad. Using a vegetable peeler, shave Parmigiano-Reggiano over the top of each and serve.

Ethan Stowell's New Italian Kitchen
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
The secret to extra-fluffy stack? A splash of cold, bubbly seltzer.