Ingredients
- Lion’s Mane Mushrooms (dried) 1 oz
- Water (boiling) 4 cups
- Olive Oil (high temp) 1/2 cup
- Onion (diced) 1 cup
- Fire-Roasted Hatch Chiles (peeled, chopped) 3 medium
- Poblano Peppers (chopped) 2 medium
- Garlic (minced) 1 tbsp
- Habanero (minced) 1 small (optional, for heat)
- Chili Powder 1/4 cup
- Cumin Seed (crushed) 1 tsp
- Crushed Tomato 1 cup
- White Wine 2 oz
- Cornstarch Slurry (light solution) 1 tbsp
- Green Onion (chopped) 1/4 cup
- Salt 1 1/2 tsp
- Pepper 1/3 tsp
- Cherries (minced) 1 tbsp (optional—for balance)
Instructions
Rehydrate the Mushrooms
- Place Lion’s Mane in a bowl.
- Pour boiling water over and let soak for 15 minutes.
- Lift mushrooms out gently and rough chop. Set aside.
Build the Base
- In a wide pan, heat olive oil until smoking hot.
- Add chopped mushrooms and onions. Sauté until onions are transparent.
- Add Hatch chiles, and habanero (if using). Sauté for 3 minutes until peppers soften.
Spice & Simmer
- Add garlic, chili powder, and crushed cumin seed. Stir gently to bloom the spices—don’t scorch.
- Pour in 1½ to 2 cups reserved Lion’s Mane mushroom broth from rehydration. (Rich in umami, this broth is your secret depth-builder.)
- Add crushed tomatoes.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
- Make light cornstarch slurry, temper some hot mixture into cornstarch, then add into chili, and incorporate quickly .
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the chili thickens with a silky texture.
Finish & Adjust
- Add green onions, salt, pepper, and cherries (if using).
- Sauté less than a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve
Use as a main dish over rice or beans, stuff into tortillas, or pair with sour cream and cheese. Great for lunch service or next-day reheat.