Are you craving a dish that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with a rich, creamy sauce? Look no further than this delightful Creamy Mushroom Pasta recipe from Hook’d Up Bar and Grill. Created by Chef John, this pasta dish is named after Wendy Chang, a talented chef and winner of the top Asian blog award for her blog, sister.dot.blogspot.com.
The Perfect Blend of Mushrooms
To begin, gather 4 ounces of shiitake mushrooms and 3/4 of a pound of white button mushrooms. Remove the stems from the shiitake mushrooms, as they tend to be tough and fibrous. Slice all the mushrooms and set them aside. In a pan with a touch of olive oil, sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they are nicely browned. This process will take some time, so be patient and allow the mushrooms to cook and release their flavors.
Creating the Flavorful Sauce
While the mushrooms are sautéing, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients. Pour 2 ounces of sherry wine, and if you’d like, indulge in a sip to help set the mood for this recipe. Gather some fresh herbs such as tarragon, chives, and thyme. These herbs will add a perfect balance to the dish, with their sweet, onion-like, and citrusy flavors, respectively.
Once the mushrooms have browned, add 2 cloves of crushed garlic and sauté for just 1 minute until the garlic is slightly browned. Next, pour in the sherry wine and let it reduce until nearly gone. Then add a cup of chicken stock, along with some black pepper and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately five minutes on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
The Creamy Finale
Now it’s time to add the cream. Pour in a cup of regular heavy whipping cream and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about five minutes, and you’ll notice the sauce gradually thickening. Be careful not to let it become too thick, as it should have a slightly loose consistency to coat the pasta perfectly. Just the same amount of time it takes to cook the pasta, which is typically around 6-8 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, prepare 8 ounces of fettuccine in boiling salted water. Once cooked, drain the pasta without rinsing it. Add the fresh herbs to the sauce and stir them in. Turn off the heat and add a generous half cup of authentic Parmesan cheese, preferably Reggiano Parmesan imported from Italy. Stir the cheese into the sauce, allowing it to melt and create a luscious, creamy mixture.
Bringing It All Together
Place the drained pasta into a large serving bowl, ensuring it retains a fine layer of starch that will help the sauce adhere to it. Pour the mushroom sauce over the pasta, along with half of the sautéed mushrooms. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the aromatic mushroom sauce. The starch on the pasta will absorb the sauce, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
To add a finishing touch, garnish the top with the remaining sautéed mushrooms, creating a visually appealing presentation. This Creamy Mushroom Pasta is truly magnificent, with its delicate balance of flavors and enticing aroma. Although it may not be exactly like the one Union enjoys in Singapore, we guarantee you’ll be delighted by every mouthful.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute vegetable or mushroom stock for the chicken stock, and use a vegan-friendly pasta and cream alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice. Fettuccine works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes to suit your taste.
Q: What can I serve as a side dish with this Creamy Mushroom Pasta?
A: A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables would complement this dish perfectly. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.
Conclusion
Indulge in the rich and velvety deliciousness of Hook’d Up Bar and Grill’s Creamy Mushroom Pasta. Named after the talented chef Wendy Chang, this recipe is an absolute delight for mushroom lovers. With its careful blend of sautéed mushrooms, flavorful herbs, and a creamy sauce, this pasta dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill’s website for the full list of ingredients and instructions, and get ready to savor every exquisite bite. Enjoy!