RIOSTTO ai PORCINI – SUNDAY PASTA

  • One-pound fresh Porcini mushrooms (or 2 ounces dried);
  • 12 ounces of Carnaroli rice (or Arborio);
  • 4 ounces of butter;
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil;
  • 1 onion, finely diced;
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced;
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth);
  • Salt to taste;
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste;
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley; and
  • 4 ounces of grated Parmigiano cheese.

Rinse the mushrooms under cold water; remove the base of the stem of the mushroom and wipe the remaining stem and cap with a clean damp cloth (or paper towel). Slice the mushrooms lengthwise into strips. (if using Rinse dried mushrooms, follow the package instructions to reconstitute the mushrooms in water).

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the onion. Cook until golden and then add the rice. Stir the rice a couple of minutes until the butter is well absorbed. Heat the broth in a separate pan and keep warm. Add one ladle of the broth at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed. Repeat the process until all of the broth is absorbed, adding the mushrooms as described below.

In another pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat, stir in the garlic and when golden brown add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms over a medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, as well as some of the vegetable broth if necessary to keep moist. Remove from the heat and mix in the chopped parsley.

When the rice is about 5 minutes from done, add the mushrooms. Add the final ladle of broth and finish cooking together. Remove from the heat and mix in the Parmigiano cheese. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmigiano cheese and fresh ground pepper.

 

PASTA: TAGLILATELLE WITH PORCINI MUSHROOMS

    • 1 pound of tagliatelle

    • 1 pound of fresh (or 8 0z. of dried) porcini mushrooms

    • ¼ cup olive oil

    • 2 cloves garlic chopped

    • ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley chopped

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Parmigiano cheese

Soak dried mushrooms in cold water for 20-30 minutes until their size and moisture are restored.  Slice them into bite sized pieces.  In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the garlic.  Cook until golden.  Add the mushrooms and cook over
medium heat for 15-20 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.  Cook pasta until al dente.  Drain and add to mushrooms.  Add the parsley.  Then cook together for about a minute.  Add some of the retained cooking water if necessary.  Serve with cheese.