Ingredients

  • 8 large portobello caps, about 6 inches round
  • 2 Tbs. olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 23 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 23 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1 Tbs. grated lemon zest from 2 large lemons
  • 1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped hazelnuts, optional
  • 13 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley or mint for garnish

Method

  • Preheat oven to 450F.
  • Line two shallow roasting pans or baking sheets with aluminum foil.
  • Gently wipe mushroom caps with damp towel.
  • Use paring knife to pry out any bits of stems; chop stems finely.
  • Lightly brush tops of caps with oil.
  • Set caps, gill sides up, in prepared pans.
  • Sprinkle lightly with salt.
  • Combine chopped stems, breadcrumbs, pesto, lemon zest, vinegar and hazelnuts, if using.
  • Spoon about 2 rounded tablespoons of topping into each mushroom.
  • Roast mushrooms on top rack 5 minutes.
  • Switch to bottom rack.
  • Continue roasting until tender, 10 to 15 minutes total.
  • Sprinkle grated cheese liberally on each mushroom, and garnish with parsley.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.