Shiitake Mushroom Spaghetti

I know you have all had a dish or two or perhaps three (smile) that are simply delicious.  Typically it is not the dish that has a million ingredients but rather a few perfect ingredients that combined together are “awe inspiring” to your taste buds.  It is a combination perfect in many ways.  From the flavor profiles to the textures to the satisfaction that it brings to your mind, body and soul – I deem those dishes – Simply Sublime.  

Speaking of simply sublime, I am introducing a new weekly series to my blog aptly called – “Simply Sublime”.  This series will be a weekend series that will appear either on Saturday or Sunday each week.  It will be dishes that I have made that are worthy of being called Simply Sublime.  Dishes that awake the taste buds that in turn make me & hubby smile along with not being complicated will earn a starring role in this exciting new series.

To kick off this exciting new series, I am going to share a simple dish that has now become a favorite for me and hubby.  Hubby typically always like a rich, thick red sauce to adorn his pasta, however, a pasta with garlicky olive oil and parmesan cheese is now a staple in his menu of favorites.  In the past, I have made it with the addition of red pepper flakes and/or chopped green olives.  My latest version is made with the ever so flavorful shiitake mushroom.  Of course the addition of garlic and parmesan push this dish to the simply sublime category.  Check it out for yourself!

Shiitake Mushroom Spaghetti

Serves four

1 Lb. Dried Spaghetti

3 Cup Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms, de-stemmed

8 Garlic Cloves, minced

½ Cup Flat Leaf Italian Parsley, rough chop

¾ Cup Olive Oil, Extra Virgin

Salt and Pepper

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Cook the dried pasta according to the package until it is al dente.  Remove and drain quickly.  In the meantime, use ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and place into a large skillet.  Heat on medium for a few minutes then add the de-stemmed shitake mushrooms and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.  Remove and add to a small bowl.

Add the ½ cup extra virgin olive oil and heat on medium.  Add the minced garlic and cooked shitake mushrooms.  Heat for 1 to 2 minutes.  Add the cooked spaghetti and toss together with the oil, mushrooms and garlic.  Taste and then season with salt and pepper.  Toss in the flat leaf parsley.  Add to individual bowls or one large bowl.  Add desired amount of parmesan cheese to taste.  Enjoy!

Note:  If you can't find fresh Shiitake Mushrooms, you can use the dried version. Simply rehydrate into hot water until soft then de-stem and cook according to the recipe.