Huitlacoche (pronounced weet-lah-koh-che) is a rare Mexican delicacy known as “corn truffle” or “corn mushroom” that grows naturally on the ears of corn and adds a wonderfully smoky flavor to soups, quesadillas, and tamales. We use the savory, earthy, nutty ingredient in our recipe for Mexico City-Style Huitlacoche Tamales in the this Holiday Food Issue, but here, portabello mushrooms are quick-cured to take on the look and mouthfeel of huitlacoche for an easy swap.

This post was originally published on VegNews.com.