Meatless Mondays-Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

I love meat as much as the next girl, but lately I've been exploring the other side, the wonderful world of vegetarian dishes, and I have to say I'm smitten. Last night I made Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms from my favorite hometown cookbook, A Commemorative Celebration of Art & Food from the Toledo Museum of Art Aides, and I think I'll adopt Meatless Mondays because of it. Stay tuned for more delicious vegetarian dishes:

Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms
-Serves 4 as a light appetizer, or 2 as a meal

4 whole portabella mushrooms
1/3 cup Italian salad dressing (I used low fat)
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 medium zucchini, finely chopped (optional)
1/2 red pepper, finely chopped (optional)
2 tbsp EVOO
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 cup herb-flavored croutons, crushed
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
3 fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tbsp pine nuts
Grated Parmesan to taste
Bottled Balsamic Glaze to taste (optional)

Remove the stems from the mushrooms and reserve. Chill, covered in the refrigerator. Combine the mushroom caps and salad dressing in a bowl and toss to coat. Marinate covered in the refrigerator for 8 to 10 hours.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Chop the mushrooms stems. Saute the stems, onion, zucchini and red pepper in the olive oil in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes or until tender. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Add the croutons, 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, basil, and pine nuts and mix well.

Drain the mushrooms, discarding the marinade. Arrange stem side up on a greased baking sheet. Spoon a quarter of the crouton mixture on each mushroom cap. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

Photo: Yvonne Duivenvoorden