Wholemeal pasta with smoked bacon and shiitake mushroom

I am... a mushroom; On whom the dew of heaven drops now and then. ~ John Ford 

Even my youngest cannot resist the pasta I made. He doesn't want to eat anything except for this one. The bacon and mushrooms create a wonderful blend and texture into this pasta dish. Shiitake mushroom is known for it's rich and earthy flavor and when it is cooked in the bacon fat, the taste is incredibly amazing! It's like you're eating a pork fat. I'm sure you'll gonna love it! 

I used wholemeal pasta for this dish. It has grainy texture and harder than the regular pasta. Just cook it according to package direction because wholemeal pasta takes longer time to cook and it needs more water. If you don't like wholemeal, you can use any kind of pasta you have. Bon Appetit!


INGREDIENTS:
250 grams wholemeal pasta
100 grams hickory smoked bacon, chopped
10 pcs shiitake mushroom, sliced and de-stemmed
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup reserved pasta liquid
2-3 Tbsp basil pesto, bottled or home made *
1/4 to 1/3 cup cheese
salt and pepper to taste.

* If you want to make home made pesto, follow my step by step instructions HERE. Just substitute it with basil.

PROCEDURE:
1. Cook the pasta according to package direction. It should be al dente (tender but firm). Drain and set aside.
2. Put the bacon in a pan and fry it in the rendered fat until starting to brown.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and then stir in the garlic. Cook for a couple of seconds.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook for a minute or two.
4. Put the pasta in the pan and add the pasta liquid.
5. Add cheese and pesto. Toss the pasta.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve. Share and enjoy!

QUICK NOTES:
1. You can use dried shitake mushroom if you can't find one. Just rehydrate it first into hot water until soft.
2. To clean the fresh mushroom, just wipe it using a tissue or damp cloth. I don't usually wash my mushrooms but if you want to wash it, just give it a quick rinse and dry them using a clean cloth.

Serving: 3-5 person


Happy day always,

Rhea