Flavoursome and affordable mushrooms have all the attributes of a superfood - nutrient-rich, low in kilojoules and high in antioxidants
Ingredients
10g dried porcini mushroom
1/2 cup boiling water
1 tbs olive oil
1 leek, washed, dried, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
8 slices pancetta, finely chopped
500g mixed mushrooms, sliced (fresh shiitake, Swiss brown and flats)
350ml beef or chicken stock
400g pappadelle pasta
4 fresh eggs
2 tbs thyme leaves
Parmesan cheese, to serve
Method
Cover porcini in boiling water and allow to stand 10 minutes to soften. Drain, reserving liquid. Finely chop mushrooms
Heat oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add leek, garlic and pancetta and saute for 5 minutes or until pancetta starts to colour
Add mushrooms, including the porcini, and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until softened
Strain the reserved porcini liquid into the pan, add the stock and simmer over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until sauce reduces slightly
Meanwhile, cook the pappadelle in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until al dente. Poach eggs in a separate pan of simmering water. Drain pasta and return to the hot pan
Add mushroom sauce and thyme, toss over low heat until combined
Pile the pasta and sauce into warm bowls; top each with a poached egg. Grate over parmesan and season to taste. Serve
