Lions Mane Nuggets

By Brianna Saucedo 

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines health, flavor, and well-being? As a pre and postnatal fitness-certified professional, I enjoy crafting delightful recipes using Lion’s Mane mushrooms. These unique fungi not only add a rich, earthy essence but also provide essential nutrients for both mom and baby. I usually cultivate my own Lion’s Mane mushrooms at home. Currently, I’m eagerly awaiting the mycelium to colonize. In the meantime, I’ve sourced a few pounds of fresh Lion’s Mane from Mother Mycelium, a Colorado local supplier based in Broomfield. You can also explore their website to order fresh Lion’s Mane or grow bags for your own home cultivation.

In this recipe, I elevated the Lion’s Mane Mushroom Nuggets by incorporating homemade almond flour and almond milk. Here’s how you can create these if you have a handful of almonds around—it adds a delightful touch to our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Nuggets! In a blender combine almonds and water; The general ratio is about 1 cup of almonds to 3 cups of water. Once you’ve strained the almond milk, you’ll be left with almond pulp. Spread this pulp on a baking sheet and let it air-dry or gently bake it at a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C) until completely dry. Once completely dry, blend it in a food processor or high-speed blender until it reaches a fine flour consistency. It’s now ready as a gluten free alternative! 

Now let's dive more into this nourishing recipe that celebrates the magic of mushrooms!

Nugget Ingredients

• 1/2 pound Lion’s Mane mushrooms
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 
• 2 large eggs (chicken or flax egg) 
• Coconut oil for frying

Sauce Ingredients 

• 3 tablespoons almond milk 
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 
• 1 tablespoon honey 
• Pinch of cayenne pepper 

Instructions

1. Clean the mushrooms gently using a damp cloth or paper towel. 
2. Cut or shred the Lion’s Mane into large bite-sized pieces. 
3. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. 
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
5. Dip each Lion’s Mane piece into the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.
6. Next, dip the flour-coated mushroom into the beaten eggs.
7. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to 350°F (180°C).
8. Carefully place the coated mushroom nuggets into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
9. Fry for 6–8 minutes or until the nuggets turn golden brown and crispy. The Lion’s Mane will develop a delightful crunch!
10. Remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
11.  In a small bowl mix together almond milk, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper (adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed) 
12.  Serve & Enjoy! 

Note: Lion’s Mane mushrooms are not only delicious but also offer health benefits as well as support brain health and mental focus. So, indulge in the journey of nourishing your body and soul!

Nutritional Benefits

Lion’s Mane mushrooms support healthy nerve growth, brain function, and immune responses. For moms during the pre and postnatal stages, here’s why Lion’s Mane is a smart choice:

1. Boosts Immune Function: Lion’s Mane has immunomodulatory benefits, enhancing overall immunity.
2. Supports Brain Health: It promotes nerve cell growth and cognitive function, which is crucial during pregnancy and postpartum.
3. Fights Inflammation: Lion’s Mane helps combat inflammation, a common concern during pregnancy.
4. Fights Gestational Diabetes: Its properties may contribute to managing blood sugar levels.
5. Boasts Nutritional Benefits: Lion’s Mane is a safe, well-tolerated mushroom with a wide variety of benefits.