When I was in Italy on vacation I had the great luck to come across something that I had been wanting to try for a long time, truffles. I first came across them on a menu at a restaurant in the form of a pasta that also included one of my favorite foods, mushrooms. As soon as I saw that there was no need to read the rest of the menu and I ordered immediately. I was a bit disappointed to see that there were not all that many mushrooms in the pasta but it tasted great and the aroma and flavour was undeniably amazing! After that encounter I made a point to look for truffles and I quickly came across some truffle oil and eventually I found a small jar of truffles both of which I picked up. Now that the chaos of Thanksgiving was over I finally got the chance to come up with my own version of a mushroom pasta with truffles.
I knew that I wanted some nice sized pieces of mushrooms in this one so I started with a bunch of wild mushrooms including shiitake, oyster and cremini. The mushrooms in the pasta that I had in Italy were likely dried porcini mushrooms and since they, and the liquid that they have been soaked in, have such a strong and concentrated mushroom flavour I could not say no to them. I wanted the mushroom and truffle to dominate so I kept the other flavours down and went simply with a shallot, a bit of garlic and thyme. Cream works nicely as both a binder and for helping to absorb and distribute the flavour so I added a bit near the end without drowning the pasta in it. Of course I finish the dish off with the star of the show in the form of truffle oil and some shaved black truffles. The mushroom and truffle pasta turned out to be even better than the one that I remember having in Italy! I will definitely be making this a lot in the future!
Wild Mushroom Pasta with Truffles
ingredients
- 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces wild mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 large shallot (finely diced)
- 1 clove garlic (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (chopped)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (gluten free for gluten free)
- 1/4 cup cream
- 1 tablespoon black truffle oil
- 1 teaspoon black truffles (grated or shaved, optional)
- 1 handfull parsley (chopped, optional)
- 1/4 parmigiano reggiano (grated, optional)
directions
- Soak the dried porcini mushrooms in the hot water for 20 minutes.
- Drain and reserve the water and chop the porcini mushrooms.
- Heat the oil in a pan at medium.
- Add the mushrooms and saute until tender, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add shallots, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper and saute for 2 minutes.
- Add the reserved water and simmer at medium-high until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile cook the pasta as directed on the package.
- Add the cream and simmer until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in the black truffle oil.
- Serve optionally garnished with black truffles, parsley and/or parmigiano reggiano.
Pumpkin and Mushroom Pasta with Gorgonzola
Wild Mushroom and Double Smoked Bacon Linguine
Roasted Mushroom Pesto Pasta
Mushroom and Thyme Farro Salad
Ooh, I think I need some truffles in my life.
Thanks for sending this in to Presto Pasta Nights.
Nothing but the best for you! =)
Can't stop thinking of adding truffle to the pasta dough. Wonder what anchovy/ parmesan would be like?
What a fabulous tasiting meal that would be! Truly something that should be served in a restaurant!!
Pasta with mushrooms, that is just heavenly! The flavor of truffles is just exhalirating.
Cheers,
Rosa
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I just ate pasta with truffle oil yesterday.. I wish it was truffles..
Truffles are awesome. Some friends and I are planning on traveling to Alba to have a truffle themed weekend in about a month! Your pasta looks beautiful, I wish I could grab a bite!
Love the flavours of truffles, gorgeous!
this looks great, I love mushroom pasta.
I was under the impression that Truffle Oil was not actually made from truffles, it just smells like them. That said, it's a good way to stretch the freakishly expensive truffles.
I think that this needs to be tried next with Morels. I spent some time in the interior of BC and everyone said that it was the best thing on the planet, those they didn't sell to wild mushroom harvesters for the morels weight in gold.
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This dish is my idea of heaven. I've never had truffles, only truffle oil, but the flavor is seared in my brain. Beautiful dish Kevin!
So decadent! An elegant, flavorful pasta dish.
I've never tried truffles since I always assumed that they were the pinnacle of gastro snobbery and were unlikely to be as good as everyone raved, but do believe sir that you have converted me. I may very well try it and comment on my own blog. Have a look at my Blog when you have a chance
http://www.therecipeczar.blogspot.com
wow kevin, that pasta looks totally awesome! very indulgent indeed!
That sounds completely decadent and so delicious! I've always been tempted to indulge in a small bottle of truffle oil, but wasn't sure what to use it in. This sounds rather perfect.
Yes, yes and YES! Truffles—I can't get enough of them…
Always the best ♥
This pasta looks like heaven on a plate! I keep truffle oil in the fridge and use it sparingly in many dishes- the flavor is incredible!
Kim in MD
Un plato buenisimo!!!!!
Wild mushrooms AND truffles? Trying not to have serious envy going on here… 😉
Looks delish, Kevin. Dreamy stuff.
Going on the "Must Try Soon" list as we speak….
yummmm…
Mmmm when this picture turned up in my inbox I started salivating. YUM!
your pasta recipe looks really yummy — need to buy some truffle oil soon.
Black truffles farms in Spain are becoming very popular. Not to mention other countries in the world. Just a few short years ago, truffle farming was considered snake oil, but thanks to science, that has changed. Owning a black truffle farm is a great way to make a living.
Kevin, so nice to see you back with an awesome Presto Pasta Night dish. I love mushrooms and can't wait to give it a try.
The dish tastes terrific! I just tried it and it was really delicious. Nice meal!