Homemade pasta with porcini mushrooms and bacon

Homemade Pasta with Chanterelles and Bacon: A Savory Recipe for Special Moments

Preparation Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 0 minutes (boiling)
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 4

Introduction

Who doesn’t love fresh, homemade pasta? This recipe for homemade pasta with chanterelles and bacon combines the perfect texture of pasta with the rich flavors of mushrooms and the sweetness of bacon. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe, ideal for a dinner with friends or a special occasion.

A Bit of History

Pasta has a fascinating history, with deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. Whether served with rich or light sauces, pasta can be enhanced with various ingredients to give it a unique taste. This recipe blends traditional pasta-making techniques with contemporary flavors, making it a perfect choice for any cooking enthusiast.

Ingredients

- For the pasta dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- Flour (approximately 230 g, but add as needed)

- For the sauce:
- 150 g thinly sliced bacon
- 2-3 tablespoons dried chanterelles (preferably)
- 200 g small white mushrooms
- 3 garlic cloves
- 50 ml dry white wine
- 300 g cooking cream
- 2-3 cubes soft goat cheese
- Parmesan (for serving)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Sichuan pepper and black pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the pasta dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the 2 eggs and 2 egg whites with a pinch of salt. This mixture will provide the necessary consistency and moisture for the pasta.
- Gradually add flour, mixing continuously. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and continue kneading until you achieve a soft but elastic dough. Avoid adding too much flour, as the dough may become dry.
- If you have a pasta machine, now is the time to use it! If not, roll out the dough on a well-floured surface to a very thin layer, then cut it with a pizza cutter or a sharp knife into strips of desired size.

2. Drying the pasta:
- Let the pasta dry for about 30 minutes. This step is important for achieving the perfect texture when cooking.

3. Boiling the pasta:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding salt and a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the pasta and boil for 2-3 minutes, ensuring you cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.

4. Preparing the sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. If using canned chanterelles, drain them well; if they are dried, hydrate them in warm water for 20 minutes, then chop them finely.
- Peel the garlic, crush it with a knife, and chop it finely. Add it to the skillet along with the chanterelles and let them brown slightly.
- Add the bacon slices and, if necessary, a pinch of salt. Cook until the bacon becomes crispy.
- Add the white mushrooms, cut in half or left whole, and cook for a few minutes.
- Deglaze with the white wine and let it boil until the alcohol evaporates.
- Reduce the heat and add the cream and goat cheese cubes. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the sauce becomes smooth.

5. Finishing the dish:
- Add the pasta to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and Sichuan pepper, if desired. Let everything cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to combine the pasta with the sauce.
- Shake the skillet in circular motions to ensure an even distribution of the sauce.

6. Serving:
- Transfer the pasta to plates, grate Parmesan on top, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a delicious final touch.

Practical Tips

- Perfect Pasta: Using "00" flour can enhance the texture of your pasta, making it finer and more elastic.
- Flavor Additives: For an extra flavor boost, add a few leaves of sage or rosemary to the mushroom sauce.
- Variations: You can experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as champignon or shiitake, and you can substitute goat cheese with feta for a different twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pasta instead of making it at home?
- Sure! Store-bought pasta is a convenient option, but it won’t have the same texture and flavor as fresh pasta.

2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Simply omit the bacon and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or bell pepper.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?
- Yes, any melting cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, can be used as an alternative.

4. How many calories are in a serving of pasta?
- A serving has approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The cream and bacon are the most calorie-dense.

Delicious Pairings

These homemade pasta with chanterelles and bacon pair perfectly with a dry white wine that will complement the rich flavors of the dish. Additionally, a green salad with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing will add a fresh note to your meal.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! This homemade pasta with chanterelles and bacon is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: dough pasta 2 eggs + 2 egg whites 1/2 tsp salt 5 tbsp oil flour as needed (approximately 230 g I used) 150 g thinly sliced bacon 2-3 tbsp dried mushrooms (chanterelles) 200 g small white mushrooms 3 cloves garlic 50 ml semi-dry white wine 300 g cooking cream 2-3 cubes soft goat cheese parmesan 1 tbsp olive oil salt pepper and black pepper parsley