Pennsylvania Pasta with Fresh Mushrooms

Pasta Penne with mushrooms and cheese on stone table. Vegetarian vegetable mushrooms pasta.

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

Servings: 4

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 cup Onion, chopped
  • 3 Tbs Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/4 cup Dry Red Wine
  • 1 Tbs Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper
  • 1 lb Fresh Wild Mushrooms
  • 1/3 cup Cold Water
  • 1 1/2 Tbs Cornstarch
  • Hot Cooked Wide Egg Noodles
  • Fresh Herb Sprigs and Pesticide-Free Edible Flowers

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes transparent.
  2. Stir in 1/2 cup of water, dry red wine, soy sauce, salt, sugar, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground coriander, chili powder, and pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
  3. Add the fresh wild mushrooms to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, gradually stir 1/3 cup of water into the cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry.
  5. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the hot mushroom mixture in the skillet. Cook and stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until it thickens and comes to a boil, forming a savory sauce.
  6. Serve the sauce over hot cooked wide egg noodles.
  7. Garnish the dish with fresh herb sprigs and pesticide-free edible flowers to add a beautiful and fragrant touch to the presentation.

 

VARIATIONS OF MUSHROOM AND NOODLE DISH:

  1. Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Instead of using cornstarch to thicken the sauce, substitute it with heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich and creamy texture. Add the cream after simmering the mushrooms and let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
  2. Vegetarian Version: Make it vegetarian by replacing the wild mushrooms with a mix of your favorite cultivated mushrooms like button mushrooms, shiitake, oyster, or portobello.
  3. Asian Twist: Infuse the dish with Asian flavors by using soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Add sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil before serving.
  4. Cheesy Delight: For a cheesy version, stir in grated Parmesan, Gouda, or Fontina cheese into the sauce until it melts. The creamy cheese will enhance the flavors of the mushrooms and noodles.
  5. Herb-Infused Sauce: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to add distinct herbal notes to the sauce. Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs on top before serving.
  6. Protein-Packed: Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the dish. Sauté the protein of your choice along with the mushrooms for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  7. Mushroom Medley: Use a combination of various mushrooms to create a diverse and visually appealing dish. Mix different textures and flavors to elevate the taste.
  8. Spicy Mushroom Sauce: Add a kick to the dish by increasing the amount of chili powder or incorporating sliced chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
  9. Citrus Burst: Enhance the lemony flavor by adding grated lemon zest to the sauce. The citrusy notes will brighten up the dish and add a refreshing touch.
  10. Nutty Flavor: Stir in toasted pine nuts, almonds, or cashews for added crunch and nutty flavor. The nuts complement the mushrooms and add depth to the dish.

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