Blended Mushroom Nachos

Recipe courtesy of Chef Evan Robinson
Servings: 4

5 shiitake mushrooms
5 white button mushrooms
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon Mexican meat seasoning
10 ounces ground turkey

Cheese Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
1 1/4 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese

tortilla chips
salsa (optional)
guacamole (optional)
kale (optional)
romaine lettuce (optional)
tomatoes (optional)
cilantro (optional)
diced red bell peppers (optional)

In blender or food processor, pulse mushrooms, garlic and onions. In large saute pan over medium-high heat, mix finely chopped mushroom mixture with seasoning and cook 2 minutes. Add ground turkey, breaking into fine crumbles until completely cooked through. Set aside.

To make cheese sauce: In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter then add flour and whisk constantly, breaking up lumps. Stir 2 minutes then add milk and continuously whisk. Stir in cheese and mix with wooden spoon.

Assemble chips on serving platter; spread mushroom-meat crumble on top. Add cheese sauce and toppings like salsa, guacamole, kale, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro and diced red bell peppers, if desired.

A Cooking Technique You Need to Know: Blending

Blending involves mixing finely chopped mushrooms with ground meat for more nutritious, but still delicious, burgers, tacos, meatballs and more.

1. Chop your favorite mushroom variety to match the consistency of the ground meat. This can be done with a knife or food processor.

2. Blend the chopped mushrooms with the ground meat.

3. Cook with Mexican seasoning mix for tacos, marinara sauce for meaty ragu or salt and pepper for juicy, flavorful burgers.