Rahmschwammerl is a classic Austrian dish that beautifully showcases the rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms in a creamy sauce. This comforting recipe is beloved throughout Austria and neighboring regions for its simplicity and depth of flavor, making it a perfect side dish or main course for mushroom lovers.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests with authentic Austrian cuisine, rahmschwammerl is a must-try recipe. The silky cream sauce combined with tender mushrooms creates a luscious texture that pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, spaetzle, or boiled potatoes.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the traditional rahmschwammerl recipe step-by-step, share helpful tips for the best results, and suggest some delicious serving ideas. Once you master this dish, you’ll want to make it again and again — it’s that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rahmschwammerl is more than just mushrooms in cream; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients elevated through careful preparation. The recipe is quick to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and fresh mushrooms, yet the outcome is deeply satisfying.
The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh herbs melds perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a dish that is both hearty and elegant.
This recipe is extremely versatile. You can use a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, button, or wild mushrooms, depending on what’s available.
It’s also naturally vegetarian and can be adapted to be vegan with a few ingredient swaps. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 500g fresh mushrooms (cremini or button mushrooms work best, sliced)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
- 200ml heavy cream (or plant-based cream alternative)
- 100ml vegetable broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: A splash of white wine for deglazing
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Serving dish or bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt. Avoid rinsing them under water as they can absorb moisture and become soggy. Slice the mushrooms evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Increase the heat slightly and sauté for 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add flour to thicken: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and to help thicken the sauce.
- Deglaze the pan (optional): Pour in a splash of white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and enhance the flavor. This step is optional but recommended for a deeper taste.
- Add broth and cream: Stir in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the mushrooms beautifully. Reduce heat to low.
- Season and add herbs: Add the fresh thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and garnish: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve warm: Transfer the rahmschwammerl to a serving dish and enjoy immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, use a mix of wild mushrooms if you can find them – chanterelles, porcini, or shiitake add wonderful depth.”
Make it vegan: Swap the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based cream such as coconut or oat cream. Use vegetable broth to keep it completely plant-based.
Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with cold water (a slurry) to the pan.
Add a smoky twist: A dash of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke can add an interesting smoky flavor to the dish, perfect when paired with rustic bread.
Herbs and aromatics: Try adding fresh rosemary or a bay leaf while simmering for extra aromatic complexity. Just remember to remove bay leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
Serving Suggestions
Rahmschwammerl is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Over traditional Austrian spaetzle – soft egg noodles soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- With boiled or mashed potatoes for a simple, rustic meal.
- Alongside roasted meats such as pork or chicken for a hearty dinner.
- As a vegetarian main course served with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
- Mixed into risotto or served on toasted bread as an open-faced sandwich.
Conclusion
Rahmschwammerl is a timeless dish that brings the comforting flavors of creamy mushrooms right to your table. Its simple preparation and rich taste make it a wonderful addition to any meal, whether as a side or main course.
This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate hearty, home-cooked food with a touch of Austrian tradition.
With its adaptable nature and quick cooking time, you can easily customize rahmschwammerl to suit your dietary preferences and available ingredients. I hope this guide inspires you to try making this delicious dish at home and enjoy a taste of Austria’s culinary heritage.
For more comforting recipes, check out my other favorites like Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn, and Austrian Potato Salad. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Rahmschwammerl
Description: Rahmschwammerl is a creamy Austrian mushroom dish perfect as a side or main. It features tender mushrooms cooked in a savory cream sauce with onions and herbs.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g fresh mushrooms (chanterelles or button mushrooms), cleaned and sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 200ml heavy cream
- 100ml vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices and soften.
- Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and stir until sauce thickens.
- Add heavy cream and lemon juice, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 6 g
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