Homemade pasta with porcini mushrooms and bacon

Homemade Pasta with Chanterelles and Bacon: An Authentic Culinary Indulgence

Nothing compares to the aroma of freshly made pasta, especially when combined with the intense flavor of chanterelles and the savoriness of crispy bacon. This recipe is more than just a simple dish; it's an experience that blends tradition with the joy of cooking. Start your culinary journey and enjoy an indulgence you will love!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary Ingredients

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

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

A Brief Story of the Recipe

Homemade pasta is an ancient tradition, dating back to time immemorial when people made their dough from simple yet flavorful ingredients. The combination of chanterelles with bacon brings a perfect contrast between umami and saltiness, while the creamy sauce of sour cream and goat cheese completes this culinary delight.

Preparing the Pasta

1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the two eggs with the two egg whites and a pinch of salt. It's important to use fresh eggs to achieve a soft and flavorful dough.
- Gradually add flour, one tablespoon of oil at a time, and knead until you obtain an elastic, but not too sticky, dough. It's important not to add too much flour to avoid drying out the dough.
- If you have a pasta machine, use it to roll out the dough. If not, you can use a rolling pin. Make sure the surface is well-floured and roll out the dough into a very thin layer.
- Cut the pasta with a pizza cutter or a sharp knife into strips of desired size. Let them dry on a rack or a clean towel.

Preparing the Sauce

2. Cooking the Chanterelles and Bacon:
- If using canned chanterelles, drain them from oil. If you have dried chanterelles, hydrate them a bit in warm water before use.
- In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chanterelles and minced garlic and sauté for a few minutes until the garlic turns golden.

3. Adding the Bacon:
- Add the bacon slices to the pan and a pinch of salt (be careful, the bacon is already salty). Let them sizzle and become crispy, stirring occasionally.
- Add the white mushrooms, either halved or left whole, and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes.

4. Creating the Sauce:
- Deglaze everything with white wine and let it boil until the alcohol evaporates.
- Add the cream and goat cheese cubes, stirring gently to homogenize the sauce. Here, the goat cheese will add a creamy and slightly tangy note.

5. Boiling the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt and a tablespoon of oil. Boil the pasta for 2-3 minutes until al dente. This step is crucial, as the pasta will continue to cook in the pan.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Finalizing the Dish

6. Combining the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan, seasoning with salt, Sichuan pepper, and black pepper to taste. Mix everything carefully so that the pasta is coated in the delicious sauce.
- Let everything cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to combine the flavors.

7. Serving:
- Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Offer a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

These homemade pasta with chanterelles and bacon are perfect for a special dinner. You can serve them alongside a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors. Additionally, a fresh green salad with lemon dressing will add a pleasant contrast.

Variations and Tips

- Variations: You can try replacing chanterelles with forest mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for a different flavor. Additionally, bacon can be replaced with ham or chorizo for a spicy taste.
- Tips: If you want to save time, you can prepare the pasta dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. You can also make a larger batch of sauce and freeze it for later use.

Nutritional Information

This recipe contains ingredients rich in protein and healthy fats, thanks to the eggs, bacon, and goat cheese. Each serving offers approximately 600 calories, but values may vary depending on the ingredients used and the servings served.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pasta?
- Yes, but the flavor of homemade pasta is unmatched. If you're in a hurry, you can use store-bought pasta.

2. What other mushrooms can I use?
- You can experiment with any type of mushrooms, but chanterelles offer a unique flavor that enhances the dish.

3. How can I store leftover pasta?
- Leftover pasta can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan with a little oil to bring it back to life.

Enjoy this delicious recipe for homemade pasta with chanterelles and bacon! I encourage you to experiment and bring your own variations to make this recipe a part of your culinary tradition. Bon appétit!