In a world with increasing rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, another 2022 US study published in Brain Sciences, and “conducted to bring attention to the importance of environmental factors in mitigating neurodegenerative diseases”, found that the “white button mushroom diet appeared to ameliorate the spatial memory deficits seen in transgenic AD [Alzheimer disease] mice as they increase in age.”
It would seem that adding mushrooms to your diet is a “no brainer” for the health of your mind and memories. Fortunately, they are really easy to incorporate, as they are not only readily available, they are a highly economical alternative to animal sources of protein in the diet.
4 large portabello mushrooms
2 garlic cloves, crushed into a paste
200g swiss chard, roughly chopped
100g smoked salmon or trout
Hollandaise:
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp water
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
115g butter
1 pinch of salt
Fresh chives, chopped, for serving
Lemon wedges, for serving
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Place the mushrooms on a baking tray.
- Drizzle with olive oil, brush with garlic and season well with salt and pepper.
- Bake for ± 10 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat another drizzle of olive oil in a medium-sized pan.
- Add the swiss chard and sauté just until the chard has wilted.
For the poached eggs:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Crack eggs, one at a time, into separate bowls.
- Swirl the water into a gentle vortex.
- Gently slip the eggs one by one into the boiling water.
- Cook for about 3 minutes each for soft poached eggs.
- Using a slotted spoon, scoop the poached eggs out of the water and place on a paper towel to drain.
For the hollandaise:
- Find a jug that snugly fits the head of a stick blender.
- Combine the egg yolks, water, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in the bottom of the jug.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over high heat, until bubbling.
- Remove from the heat.
- Place the head of the stick blender into the bottom of the cup and turn it on.
- With the blender constantly going, slowly drizzle the hot butter into the jug.
- Continue pouring until you have used all the butter and the sauce is thick and emulsified.
- Taste to adjust seasoning.
To assemble:
- Divide the chard equally on top of the portabello mushrooms.
- Follow with the salmon, a squeeze of lemon juice then top each with a poached egg.
- Spoon over the hollandaise sauce and sprinkle with chives, salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!