14 May 2012

Creamy Mushroom Pasta


I really thought for a moment that spring was here, two whole days of semi blue skies, sunshine & no coats. But sadly the rain is back & today was another rainy commute wearing my waterproof...

It's been a couple of weeks of delicious food. We had an amazing night with the talented Miss Stewart who hosted a fantastic evening of food with wine paring. Serving a series of starters size dishes ranging from grilled goats cheese with honey & thyme to mini beef & red wine pies, each course was carefully paired with a complimenting wine. Such a lovely way to eat, although having so much wine certainly made waking up the next morning rather painful. The only way to combat the hangover was to head to La Famiglia just off Kings Road to celebrate a Mr Squire's 30th, which started off very civilised & then quickly descended in chaos. 30th parties can have that effect on people, it's like that mad dash to prove you can still hold your own like an eighteen year old, if only the hangovers were the same as you were when you were eighteen. 

The Houseboy had never eaten at Megan's Deli on Kings Road, which is one of my favourite nearby places for dinner. We had a lovely wine free meal with platters of roasted vegetables, sliced meats & rocket salad, grilled octopus with skinny french fries & artichoke. The food is always fresh & delicious, it's such a good place when the weather is nice, with a pretty garden out the back. At home, the menu will be carb heavy this week, well for the Houseboy anyway, as on Sunday he will be running in the Copenhagen marathon which is exciting. I won't be running, but instead will be dusting off my pompoms, donning the Australian colours & shouting myself hoarse. I'mpretty excited about having some smørrebrød & carslberg beer. 


Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a big bowl of pasta. My all time favourite probably being pasta with olive oil, garlic & chili, it takes about 10 minutes to make and is just delicious. This dish will take you maybe an extra five minutes but is well worth it, if you are extra hungry pad it out with some chopped bacon and a sprinkling of cheese. 

Ingredients:
Serves two. 
  • enough rigatoni pasta for two
  • mushrooms (chestnut or field or white or portabello or a mix -  what ever you fancy)
  • 20mls of creme fraiche
  • two cloves of garlic
  • handful of chopped parsley
  • s&p

Method:

Put the pasta on to boil as per the instructions on the pack, remember to add a pinch of salt - makes all the difference. Slice the mushrooms, making sure they are not to thin, you don't want them to get soggy. Melt a little butter in a pan, crush the garlic, add & saute until golden. Add the mushrooms & saute for about 4 minutes, add the creme fraiche, stir, heat through quickly & remove from the heat. Stir in the chopped parsley. Check the pasta & drain if ready. Then take the mushrooms & mix with the freshly drained pasta. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parsley in top.

 





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