One of the greatest pleasures of cookery, especially when it involves a rich and varied repertoire from diverse environments, is that it gives your imagination free rein, and allows you to savour a different taste experience every day. For example, wouldn’t you like to try a special dish from the mountains such as straw and hay tagliatelle with a delicious sauce of creamy mushroom and pancetta, a combination that makes your mouth water just to read about it? This special pasta dish combines a gorgeous creamy mushroom sauce with crispy bacon browned in a pan beforehand. Can you think of anything more enticing when you are about to sit down together at the dining table? Be prepared to resist the temptation to start eating this dish while you are still making it!
* approximate values per serving
Start by browning the garlic in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil together with the chopped parsley. Then add the diced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally. Adjust the salt. Divide the mushrooms into two and blitz one half in a blender with 3 tablespoons of cream and some parsley. Cut the pancetta into strips and, in a separate clean pan, gently brown and crisp it. Replace the creamed mushrooms in the pan with the whole mushrooms and the bacon. Mix well and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cook the tagliatelle in boiling salted water. Drain, then mix with the sauce. Add the chopped parsley. If necessary loosen the sauce with another tablespoon of cream and some pasta cooking water.
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Prepare all the ingredients: tagliatelle, pancetta, mushrooms, fresh cream, parsley, garlic
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Put the garlic, oil and parsley in a frying pan
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Add the mushrooms
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In a separate pan, brown and crisp up some pancetta strips on their own
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Blitz half the mushrooms in a blender with some parsley, salt and a little cream
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Put the creamed mushrooms in a frying pan
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Add the whole mushrooms and the crispy pancetta to the frying pan
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Add the cooked tagliatelle, some parsley and if necessary some more cream and pasta cooking water
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A delicious variant of the traditional Straw and Hay Tagliatelle with mushrooms and crispy bacon can include potatoes. Adding diced potatoes during the cooking of the mushrooms creates an even heartier and more flavorful dish. The potatoes, cooked together with the mushrooms, absorb the flavors of the seasonings and blend perfectly with the creaminess of the cream. To prepare this variant, simply boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, and then add them to the pan with the mushrooms and bacon. The result will be a dish that satisfies even the hungriest palates, perfect for a family lunch or a dinner with friends.
For those who wish to discover the authentic flavors of Trentino Alto Adige, preparing Straw and Hay Tagliatelle with mushrooms and crispy bacon from Trentino is an excellent choice. This variant uses porcini mushrooms typical of the region, which give the dish an intense and characteristic aroma. Additionally, you can replace the bacon with local speck for a smoky touch that further enhances the flavors. Preparing the tagliatelle following the traditional recipe, but using fresh, high-quality ingredients from the Trentino mountains, will make the dish even more authentic. Serve the tagliatelle with a sprinkle of local grated cheese for a tantalizing finish.
For a lighter version of Straw and Hay Tagliatelle with mushrooms and crispy bacon, you can make some modifications to the ingredients without compromising on taste. Using whole wheat tagliatelle or those made from legume flour provides a greater intake of fiber and nutrients. Additionally, you can opt for lean bacon or replace it with diced chicken breast, still maintaining a rich flavor. Finally, to reduce calories, it is advisable to use Greek yogurt instead of cream, creating a light and tasty sauce. This variant is perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without giving up the pleasure of a good pasta dish.
Straw and Hay Tagliatelle with mushrooms and crispy bacon are not only a delicious dish, but they also offer some nutritional benefits. Mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals like selenium, which support the immune system and heart health. The tagliatelle, if made with whole wheat flour, provide fiber that promotes digestion and a sense of fullness. Bacon, when consumed in moderation, can contribute to protein intake. A serving of this dish contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. It is a complete meal that can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
Storing Straw and Hay Tagliatelle with mushrooms and crispy bacon is possible, but there are some precautions to follow. If prepared in advance, it is advisable to store the tagliatelle in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Before serving, reheat the dish in a pan with a drizzle of oil or a bit of broth to maintain creaminess. However, it is not recommended to freeze the already cooked dish, as the texture of the pasta may deteriorate. If you wish to prepare in advance, it is better to freeze the ingredients separately and assemble the dish at the time of consumption.