My daughter, currently in grade 2, had to write a speech last week about treasures. It made me think of all the different types of food that I would consider as treasure. I felt as happy as a five year old in a toy store, when I discovered these fresh Porcine Mushrooms a few days ago at a local food market.
After carefully selecting them I were hugging my bag of mushroomsâĤ.Yes I am not even ashamed to admit it. I am a mushroom hugger!
While I was busy frying the leeks for my recipe I couldnât resist to sneak a few pictures of these beautiful earthy treasures that were lying on my chopping board, so much so that I almost overcaramalised the leaks. Â They have the most delectable sweet aroma when being fried, and make your mouth water whilst preparing these.
OK, so enough of my ode to the PorciniâĤ. I decided to use them in a pasta. Â Last month, I ordered a lovely pasta from an Italian Restaurant in our area called Viva Vita. Â I enjoyed it so much that I decided to create something similar for my family for dinner last night. Â The results were rather pleasing, even if I have to say so myself.
So hereâs how I did it:
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 170g Bacon Bits
- 150g Leeks, chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 400g Fresh Porcini Mushrooms sliced length wise
- 1 Cup of Dry White Wine
- 1 Cup of Reduced Fat Cream
- 1 Handful of chopped Italian Parsley
- Salt and Freshly ground Pepper to taste
- 450g of Fresh Pasta
- Grana Padano Cheese grated.
Method:
- Cook the fresh pasta until el dente, drain and place aside.
- Preheat the olive oil and butter in a frying pan. Â Fry the bacon until crispy. Â Remove from the pan and place aside.
- Fry the leeks together with the garlic until soft.
- Add the Porcini Mushrooms and fry until soft.
- Add the cup of white wine and cook for 2 to 3 minutes reducing the wine to half.
- Add the cream, bacon bits and Italian Parsley and cook for another minute or two, thickening the sauce. Â Mix sauce in with the pasta and sprinkle with grated cheese. Â Serve immediately.
Serves 4.
This pasta is lovely with a garden salad on the side.