“A Short Cut to Mushrooms” is one of my favorite chapters in Fellowship. It’s when we get a really good look at the nature of hobbits. When Pippin first suggests crossing Farmer Maggot’s land, Frodo doesn’t want to because he was caught stealing mushrooms from Maggot as a child. However, we see a glimpse of hobbit-y good humor when Maggot laughingly remembers the thefts…and his wife later sends a basket of mushrooms with them just for Frodo! We also see the stout-heartedness of hobbits when Farmer Maggot volunteers to take the travelers to the ferry, even though he knows there are dangerous men out looking for Frodo. He stands up bravely to what they think is a Black Rider (but turns out to be Merry in the end). It pulls at my heart that the farmer is willing to risk himself for his neighbors when he owes them nothing.

Long story short: from the moment I first started planning this Lord of the Rings menu, I knew I HAD to have a mushroom recipe. I wanted something quick and easy with only a handful of ingredients—a literal short cut to mushrooms! This recipe is one of my favorites. I use it all the time at home. Just throw the ingredients in a bowl, stir, spread it on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. It works well in a skillet on the stove top too!

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A Short Cut to Mushrooms: An AWR Original Recipe

“What’s wrong with old Maggot?” asked Pippin. “He’s a good friend to all the Brandybucks. Of course he’s a terror to trespassers, and keeps ferocious dogs – but after all, folk down here are near the border and have to be more on their guard.”
“I know,” said Frodo. “But all the same,” he added with a shamefaced laugh, “I am terrified of him and his dogs. I have avoided his farm for years and years. He caught me several times trespassing after mushrooms, when I was a youngster at Brandy Hall.”

— The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz sliced mushrooms (I used baby bellas)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp snipped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• a squeeze of lemon

 

Makes 3-4 servings

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. 1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir until the mushrooms are evenly coated.
         
      2. Spread the mushrooms evenly on a baking sheet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
      3. Serve to your closest hobbit friends while on the run from the Ring Wraiths!

 

Check out my other Tolkien recipes!

Sam Gamgee’s Rabbit Stew and Lembas

Tom Bombadil’s White Bread with Basil Butter, Honey, and Berries

Dragon Scale Madeleines from The Hobbit