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Rigatoni with Porcini Mushrooms and Berries

17/11/2023

I can suggest a recipe for rigatoni with porcini mushrooms and berries, inspired by the classic ingredients of Italian cuisine, with a touch of creativity. This dish combines the rustic flavors of porcini mushrooms with the sweet and slightly tart notes of mixed berries, creating a fascinating contrast on the palate.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of rigatoni
  • 300 g of fresh porcini mushrooms (or rehydrated if dried)
  • 150 g of mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, currants)
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A splash of white wine (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean the porcini mushrooms with a damp cloth or kitchen paper without wetting them too much (if using dried mushrooms, remember to rehydrate them according to the instructions on the package).
  2. Slice the porcini into not too small pieces.
  3. In a large pan, sauté a clove of garlic in extra virgin olive oil.
  4. Add the sliced porcini mushrooms and sauté over medium heat for several minutes, until they are well browned. If you like, you can deglaze with a splash of white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta and cook the rigatoni al dente according to the instructions on the package.
  6. Add the berries to the mushrooms and cook for a couple of minutes, until a light sauce is formed. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Drain the pasta al dente and toss it in the pan with the porcini and berry sauce for a minute so that the flavors blend well.
  8. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, some grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Curiosity

The porcini mushroom is one of the most appreciated mushrooms in cooking for its intense aroma and meaty texture. In Italian cuisine, it is often the star of autumn dishes, paired with pasta, risottos, or as an ingredient for side dishes and main courses. The addition of berries to this dish is an example of how contemporary Italian cuisine experiments with combining elements from the earth and pleasing touches of natural sweetness.