Gourmet Truffle Infused Wild Mushroom Spaghetti
Delight in the exquisite flavors of earthiness and luxury with this Gourmet Truffle Infused Wild Mushroom Spaghetti. An assortment of fresh wild mushrooms like Chanterelles, Lobster Mushrooms, Shiitake, and Maitake are sautéed to golden perfection, creating a rich and aromatic sauce when combined with shallots, herbs, and a luscious reduction of heavy cream. Drizzled with white truffle oil for that unforgettable touch of gourmet elegance, this dish is sure to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spaghetti
1 lb
sea salt
1-2 tbsp
assorted fresh wild mushrooms
1 lb (cleaned and sliced)
shallot
1 large (finely minced)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon
olive oil
1 tablespoon
fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon
fresh sage leaves
1 tablespoon (minced)
fresh chives
1 tablespoon (minced)
heavy whipping cream
1 cup
cracked black pepper
to taste
Italian parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
shaved parmesan cheese
for garnish
white truffle oil
for drizzling
Instructions
1
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add enough sea salt to mimic ocean water, approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons.
2
While the water is heating, melt the unsalted butter and olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter starts browning slightly, add the sliced mushrooms and minced shallot.
3
Increase the heat to high and sauté the mixture, stirring frequently until the mushrooms develop a golden color and the shallots are perfectly translucent.
4
Incorporate the fresh thyme leaves, minced sage leaves, and chives, stirring them into the mushroom mixture. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and reduce the heat to allow the cream to simmer gently. Let it cook until the cream slightly thickens, seasoning with cracked black pepper and a pinch of sea salt to taste.
5
As the mushrooms and cream meld together, cook the fresh spaghetti in the salted boiling water until al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving a bit of pasta water if desired.
6
Combine the hot spaghetti with the wild mushroom and cream mixture, tossing evenly to coat the pasta in the sauce. If necessary, add a small amount of reserved pasta water for a smoother consistency.
7
Serve the spaghetti adorned with a drizzle of white truffle oil, a generous amount of shaved parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped Italian parsley for an elegant flourish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Truffle Infused Wild Mushroom Spaghetti?
It is a luxury pasta dish featuring a variety of wild mushrooms sautéed with herbs and shallots, combined with a rich cream sauce and finished with white truffle oil.
Which wild mushrooms are best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using an assortment of Chanterelles, Lobster Mushrooms, Shiitake, and Maitake for a complex, earthy flavor.
How long does it take to cook the fresh spaghetti?
Fresh spaghetti cooks very quickly, typically taking only 2 to 3 minutes in boiling salted water to reach an al dente texture.
Why is white truffle oil used instead of black truffle oil?
White truffle oil is generally lighter and more garlicky, which complements the delicate flavors of wild mushrooms and cream without overpowering them.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it uses mushrooms, pasta, dairy, and herbs with no meat products.
Can I substitute shallots with regular onions?
Yes, you can use finely minced yellow onion, though shallots provide a milder and sweeter flavor profile that is traditional in gourmet cooking.
What is the purpose of adding sea salt to the pasta water?
The sea salt seasons the pasta from the inside out as it cooks; the water should be as salty as the ocean for the best results.
How do I prepare the wild mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be cleaned and sliced before sautéing to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden color.
What herbs are included in the sauce?
This recipe calls for fresh thyme leaves, minced sage leaves, fresh chives, and chopped Italian parsley for garnish.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for their vibrant flavor, but if you must use dried, reduce the quantity by two-thirds as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What type of cream is best for the mushroom sauce?
Heavy whipping cream is used to create a luscious, thick reduction that coats the spaghetti perfectly.
How do I know when the mushrooms are properly cooked?
The mushrooms are ready when they have developed a golden-brown color and the accompanying shallots are translucent.
Should I save some of the pasta water?
Yes, reserving a small amount of pasta water allows you to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it smoother if needed.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it hot, drizzled with white truffle oil, topped with a generous amount of shaved parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the fresh spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
What does 'al dente' mean?
'Al dente' refers to pasta that is cooked so as to be still firm when bitten, which is the preferred texture for this dish.
Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?
The combination of butter and olive oil provides the richness of butter with the higher smoke point of olive oil, perfect for sautéing mushrooms.
What should I do if the cream sauce gets too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use dried spaghetti instead of fresh?
Yes, but keep in mind that dried spaghetti takes longer to cook (usually 8-11 minutes) compared to fresh pasta.
What is the best tool for cleaning wild mushrooms?
A soft brush or a damp paper towel is best for cleaning wild mushrooms to remove dirt without making them waterlogged.
Is there a substitute for fresh chives?
The green tops of scallions (green onions) can be used as a substitute for a similar mild onion flavor.
Can I add protein to this dish?
While gourmet on its own, you can add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp if you prefer to include meat or seafood.
What kind of parmesan cheese is recommended?
High-quality shaved parmesan cheese provides the best texture and salty, nutty flavor for the final garnish.
Does the recipe require a specific type of salt?
Sea salt is specified for both the pasta water and the seasoning to provide a clean, mineral flavor.
Can I use black pepper instead of cracked black pepper?
Cracked black pepper is preferred for its texture and bolder flavor, but standard ground black pepper can be used to taste.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Reduce the heat before adding the heavy cream and let it simmer gently rather than bringing it to a hard boil.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
The sauce can be started early, but for the best experience, the pasta should be cooked and tossed with the sauce just before serving.
What makes this dish 'gourmet'?
The use of diverse wild mushrooms, fresh specialty herbs, and the final infusion of white truffle oil elevates it to a gourmet level.
Can I substitute the white truffle oil?
If you don't have truffle oil, you can use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, though you will lose the signature earthy truffle aroma.