Shelly’s More Expensive and Elaborate Carb Fix 🍝✨
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Description:
This mouth-watering recipe was lovingly adopted after Shelly left the site. Although she’s been influenced by the South Beach diet, Shelly undeniably knows her way around delicious carbs. Originally from a Frugal Gourmet cookbook, this dish is both delicious and simple, with the cooking time including the 2 hours needed to reconstitute the dried mushrooms. Dive into this European-inspired carb fix, perfect for a cozy evening meal!
Recipe Category:
European
Keywords:
Healthy, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 2 dried porcini mushrooms
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 pound dry pasta (your favorite kind)
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 620.6
- Fat: 17.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 20.4mg
- Sodium: 25.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 99.8g
- Fiber: 5.8g
- Sugar: 6.6g
- Protein: 16.9g
Servings:
4
Instructions:
Step 1: Reconstituting the Mushrooms 🍄
- Soak the Mushrooms: Start by placing the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl. Cover them with warm water and let them soak for about 2 hours until they are fully reconstituted and soft. This will bring out their rich, earthy flavors, perfect for infusing into your sauce.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics 🍳
- Prepare the Aromatics: Once your mushrooms are ready, remove them from the water (reserve this water for later use). Finely chop the mushrooms. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Creating the Sauce 🍅
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan, stirring well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the reserved mushroom soaking water (be careful to avoid any sediment at the bottom of the bowl).
- Simmer: Add the tomato paste to the pan, stirring to integrate it into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Cooking the Pasta 🍝
- Cook the Pasta: While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing well to ensure every strand is coated in that rich, mushroom-infused sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Finishing Touches ✨
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the delightful blend of earthy mushrooms and savory tomato sauce with each bite.
Tips and Tricks 🌟
- Mushroom Magic: If you can’t find dried porcini mushrooms, feel free to substitute with other dried mushrooms like shiitake or morel for a different flavor profile.
- Creamy Twist: For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche just before serving.
- Herbal Delight: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added as a final garnish for a burst of color and flavor.
Dive into this comforting and hearty pasta dish, a true homage to Shelly’s knack for creating carb-laden masterpieces that warm the heart and soul. Whether it’s a family dinner or a solo indulgence, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite. 🍝❤️
