Spice up your life with these ridiculously easy, totally satisfying Sauteed Serrano Mushrooms!
Continuing the quest to raise awareness on infertility with these Fertility Friday posts, I’ve decided today to dig a bit deeper with you. (PS- Don’t forget to check out Sara’s post too!) Before I get to the spicy Sauteed Serrano Mushrooms, I think it’s important we address something we’ve yet to shine some light on… impaired fecundity.
What is impaired fecundity?
Well, technically speaking, this refers to all women, regardless of marital status, who are unable to become pregnant, as well as women who have a challenging time carrying babies to full term. Since the definition of infertility involves those who are cohabitating with a partner and struggle with getting pregnant, it’s time to shed some light on both sides of the issue.
I’ve seen far to many friends suffer miscarriages and feel so alone, so lost, so lifeless. Though I can’t imagine what it is like to experience the joy of being pregnant and then the horror of losing a child, I can relate to feeling that the entire experience is out of your control. My heart aches for each and every one of you who’ve gone through this, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
As I read through the literature, a constant theme kept emerging in both infertility nutrition and pregnancy nutrition. Can you guess what it is? (Hint- it’s white, delicious, and nutritious!)
Bingo, the important role mushrooms play in fertility!
Here’s a quick Nutrition 411 of our superfood friend, the mushroom:
- Vitamin D
- Mushrooms are the only food on the produce aisle that contains vitamin D! Vitamin D is important to help build and maintain strong bones through its interrelationship with calcium absorption. Though the best source of vitamin D is the natural source (aka from the sun), you can easily meet the recommended 600 IUs by eating one serving of UV-exposed white mushrooms (>900 IUs)!
- Fertility Focus
- Studies have shown women who are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) are more likely to achieve positive outcomes when they have adequate vitamin D stores. Furthermore, research in male infertility has shown that vitamin D supplementation bodes well for sperm quality, testosterone concentration and fertility outcomes. Thus, a win-win for both females and males alike struggling with the effects of infertility.
- Selenium (Se)
- Did you know Se is an important mineral that acts as an antioxidant? In just one serving of mushrooms, you can receive anywhere between 8-22 mcg to help you meet your 55-70 mcg daily recommend intake.
- Fertility Focus
- Research has shown supplementation of selenium with vitamin E to increase sperm motility in men, significantly increasing their odds of pregnancy. Plus, it’s interesting to note during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, the female need for selenium increases to help support life. Thus, mushrooms come to the win again for males and females alike regardless of where you are in your fertility journey!
Lot’s of great insight, right? Who knew our white, somewhat dirty, always delicious friend was such a super stud when it comes to fertility!
Now, back to these Sauteed Serrano Mushrooms. This recipe honestly came to mind after I took a poll of my Dietitian friends who’ve gone through pregnancy and shared with me their cravings! It was so interesting to see how many of them craved spicy foods. Thus, this gem of a recipe was born!
I hope you enjoy as much as I did! I may or may not have eaten this entire batch all on my own! #fertilityfocused :)! PS- If you’re not a spice fan, be sure to whip up Sara’s here, you won’t be disappointed! And, don’t forget to join the conversation for Resolve and #startasking!

Sauteed Serrano Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 8 oz white button mushrooms chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic chopped
- 2 medium Serrano peppers about 4 oz, chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
Instructions
- Chop mushrooms, garlic and Serrano peppers.
- In a saute pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and place chopped produce into pan.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes until mushrooms are soft and peppers dull in color. (If pan becomes dry, add 2-3 tablespoons water).
- Remove from heat, add salt and stir.
- Top your burger, salads or serve as a side.
Alisa Fleming says
Mushrooms and fertility?! Now that is a new one to me. I’m definitely not trying to get pregnant, but I think our house would really enjoy this recipe regardless.
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Alisa! That’s the beauty of this series, it’s friendly for all, but a double whammy for those with fertility struggles!
Taylor Kiser says
These mushrooms look so delicious! I’d have a hard time trying not to eat the whole pan before I had the chance to pour over on top on anything else! lol
Elizabeth Shaw says
Shhh, so did I! Thank goodness they’re healthy!
Wendy says
This looks so good! I love the simplicity.
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Wendy!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Definitely not looking to get pregnant, but I LOVE sautéed mushrooms and peppers! I’m thinking this would be great in an omelet or over a turkey burger!
Elizabeth Shaw says
YES! Great idea, and the beauty of these “fertility foods” is that it is perfect for everyone!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
Another wonderful Fertility Friday! And yay for the humble mushroom- one of my faves! I love how simple and flavorful this dish is. The photo with the focus in the center is,so eye-catching!
Elizabeth Shaw says
THanks so much Sonali! I love your support in this, and thanks for the photo compliment! I’m trying!
Susan Thurman says
I frequently buy criminology mushrooms instead of white button ones. Do they contain less vitamin D?
Elizabeth Shaw says
Hi Aunt Suzie! The crimini mushrooms do have slightly less vitamin D, however all mushrooms exposed to UV-B light are great sources of vitamin D. If yours are too, you are good to go! This is a great website to learn more about mushrooms too! http://www.mushroominfo.com/
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
I didn’t know mushrooms were a fertility food. So interesting! As is this recipe!! Looks like it would be great with pasta or on polenta!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Definitely Jessica! Even if you’re a fan of hot dogs in any form (I like the Yves Vegan Dogs), so great on top!
Sara @sarahaasrdn says
I love this! Lovely mushroom recipe!!!!