Mushrooms can release a surprising amount of water in the pan. Give that liquid time to cook away if you want a more concentrated topping rather than wet toast. A reasonably wide skillet helps, but avoid crowding it so heavily that stirring becomes difficult.
Use canned white beans for a quick meal. Mashing a few of them into the cooking liquid makes the topping hold together without another thickener. Leave the rest whole for texture and add water in small amounts only when the pan needs it.
Toast at the end
Prepare the bread shortly before serving so it is still crisp when the topping goes on. A thick slice can support the beans better than very soft thin bread, but choose what you enjoy and can toast safely in your equipment. Do not force oversized slices into a toaster.
Garlic and thyme are enough for the basic seasoning. If you have lemon, a small squeeze at the finish can lift the flavor. Taste before adding salt because the beans or any stock you use may already contribute it.
The topping can also go beside toast rather than directly on it if you prefer to keep the bread crisp. This is useful when eating slowly or serving portions at slightly different times.
Store any leftover topping separately from the bread, refrigerating it promptly in a shallow container. Reheat leftovers to 165°F throughout and make fresh toast when serving. An assembled slice is less suitable for keeping because the bread absorbs the sauce.
Ingredients
Makes 2
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms, cleaned appropriately and sliced
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 to 5 tablespoons water or suitable stock
- 2 to 4 slices bread, depending on size and appetite
- Salt, pepper and optional lemon juice
Method
- Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and their released liquid has mostly reduced, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add garlic and thyme and stir for about 30 seconds. Add beans and 3 tablespoons liquid.
- Mash a few beans with the back of a suitable spoon, then cook until the mixture is thoroughly hot. Add a little more liquid if needed for a spoonable topping.
- Toast the bread using a suitable method. Season the mushroom mixture, add optional lemon and serve over or beside the toast.