"Tripe" soup honey mushrooms

Honey Mushroom “Tripe” Soup: A Cozy Czech Twist

Honey mushrooms (Armillaria ostoyae) are a treat when prepared correctly—but a warning first: they’re mildly toxic if eaten raw. Always cook them thoroughly, ideally for 25–30 minutes. Younger caps are best for cooking, as the stems tend to be tough. Some people may still experience mild reactions, so take it slow the first time. And forget drying them—these mushrooms really shine fresh.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy them is in a vegetarian “tripe” soup. The tender mushroom strips mimic the texture of tripe, giving the dish body and depth without any meat.

Ingredients:

• Honey mushroom caps (young ones)

• 1 onion

• Butter or oil for sautéing

• White bread, crusts removed

• Ground paprika

• Black pepper

• All-purpose flour

• Vegetable or chicken broth

• Salt, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Prep the mushrooms
   Clean the caps and cut them into strips roughly 4–5 mm thick and 3–4 cm long—just like pieces of tripe.

2. Pre-boil
   Boil the strips in salted water for 20–30 minutes to remove any toxins. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté the onion
   Melt butter or heat oil in a large pot. Add diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant.

4. Combine mushrooms and onions
   Add the pre-boiled mushroom strips to the pot and stir well.

5. Add bread and spices
   Tear the white bread into small pieces and mix it in. Sprinkle in paprika, black pepper, and salt.

6. Thicken the soup
   Dust the mixture with a spoonful of flour, stirring to coat evenly.

7. Pour in the broth
   Slowly add the broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Adjust the amount for your preferred thickness.

8. Simmer gently
   Let the soup cook for 15–20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the flavors meld.

9. Serve
   Ladle hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Cooking honey mushrooms properly is non-negotiable—this pre-boiling step is essential for a safe and delicious dish.

This is our second honey mushroom recipe—stay tuned for more culinary experiments in the coming weeks!

Want to learn more about the Health benefits of the honey mushrooms check out our dedicated article : Armillaria ostoyae: A Hidden Forest Treasure with Many Benefits

And if you want to learn more on those surprising fungi you can check this out : Wikipedia