What do I do with these dried truffle slices?

So, someone decided to give you a package of dried truffles as a gift and you have no idea how to use them.  Here I will tell you the best way to put those dried truffle slices to use.  Don't dismiss them.  There is value in those little things. 

First a little on truffles themselves 

Truffles are a fungus, like a mushroom, but they grow underground like a potato near the roots of certain types of trees.  Fresh truffles can be very expensive.  They also spoil very quickly.  That is why a certain amount of truffles get designated for drying, or dehydrating.  They will last much longer once dehydrated.  They are also much cheaper once they are dried.  As long as you know how to use them this can be a major win.

What happens to truffles when they are dried?

Yes.  Fresh truffles have more flavor and aroma than dried truffles.  You will pay the extra money for that though.  The flavor and aroma come mostly from the sulfur compounds that are present in the truffle when they are growing underground. When you dehydrate a truffle most of those sulfur compounds are released into the air.  Not all is lost though.  There is still some locked up potential in these crispy little wafers.  You just need to know how to unlock it.

First you need to rehydrate them. 

 

How To Rehydrate Dried Truffles

The method below is the best way to rehydrate dried truffles.

1.  I recommend 2 cups of water to every ¼ cup of dried truffles. If you’re measuring by weight, I recommend 2 cups of water to every 0.2 ounces of dried truffles.
2. Soak and Rub.  Place the dehydrated truffles into a glass container and add Room Temperature water. Most of the truffles will rise to the top. As they do, gently massage them a little. This helps release some of the trapped grit. Let the truffles soak for 30 minutes to eight hours depending on how you plan to use the broth.
3. Strain and Pat.  Strain the broth into a second container. Reserve this broth.  The broth is very useful.  More on that later. Place your rehydrated truffles on paper towels and pat the excess liquid off.
4. Strain Again.  Strain the broth a second time through a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, paper towels or coffee filters to catch any remaining bits of sand, grit, and grime.

TIP: Make sure to use room temperature water.  Boiling water will "cook" the truffles and give them more of a rubbery texture.  Very cold water will not soak into the truffle as well as room temperature.  

Now What?

The broth you just made can be used for making soups, risotto, sauces or anything that is calling for water or some type of broth. 

Now you are free to do whatever you want with the rehydrated truffle slices.  They can be chopped up into small pieces and put into that risotto that you are making using the truffle broth you have. You can take some of those small pieces and hold them into softened butter to make your own truffle butter. 

Here are some links for great recipes using truffles:

How to make black truffle butter

Truffle Hot Sauce Recipe

 The possibilities are endless but now that the truffles are "back to life" you can do anything imaginable.  

If you are looking to buy dried truffle slices you can buy them at our website by clicking the link below.

WWW.TRUFFLEAROMA.COM - DRIED TRUFFLE SLICES