Paccheri with Mushrooms
Ingredients: 250 g. Paccheri 1 kg. Mushrooms 10 g. Dried and ground porcini 1 bunch fresh thyme 200 ml oat-based vegetable cream 8 tablespoons unrefined sunflower oil 1 teaspoon smoked hot paprika 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
Paccheri are a type of traditional Neapolitan pasta, a true delicacy of Italian cuisine, made from durum wheat semolina. These pasta have a distinctive shape of large tubes, which are ideal for absorbing rich and flavorful sauces. Usually, paccheri are served with thick sauces, but they can also be stuffed with ricotta cheese and accompanied by a cream-based sauce. In today's recipe, we will prepare paccheri with a savory sauce made from mushrooms and oat cream, a perfect combination for food lovers.
The first step is to boil the pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the paccheri and reduce the heat to low, letting them cook for about 15 minutes. It is important to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, we take care of the sauce.
For the mushroom sauce, we start by cleaning and washing the mushrooms. Cut them into large pieces; if we use small mushrooms, we can leave them whole. In a deep skillet, add a little olive oil and start browning the mushrooms over medium heat. Cook the mushrooms until almost all the juice they release has evaporated, and they become golden and delicious. Now is the time to add the finely chopped fresh thyme, dried porcini mushrooms to enhance the flavor, and smoked paprika, which will give the sauce a smoky note and depth. Continue cooking the mixture for another 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Once we have achieved a pleasant texture, we add the oat cream. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens, becoming creamy and appetizing. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander and transfer it to the pot with the mushroom sauce. Mix the pasta well with the sauce, allowing them to combine perfectly for 3 minutes. This will allow the pasta to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and become truly delicious.
To finish the dish, season with freshly ground pepper and, if desired, add grated parmesan for extra flavor, though this step is optional, especially for those following a vegan diet. Serve the paccheri warm, enjoying every bite. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavors, ensuring a delicious meal. Bon appétit!
