Mushroom & Prosciutto Tagliatelle

Last night's dinner was one of those that C asks me to PLEASE write down, lest I forget it and can never recreate it. I have to agree that it was raelly delicious, very simple and equally suited to all the seasons.

I made a Mushroom Tagliatelle that I served with roasted prosciutto-wrapped apricots. In the Fall & Winter, you might do something a little heartier than fruit as an accompaniment.

Mushroom & Prosciutto Tagliatelle with Roasted Apricots

• 3 apricots, quartered and pits removed*
• 8 slices prosciutto
• 2 stalks fresh rosemary
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 c. fresh crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 c. dried wild mushrooms, reconstituted & chopped
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/4 c. heavy cream
• 1 1/2 c. beef broth
• 1/2 lb tagliatelle

1. Cut 6 pieces of prosciutto in thirds (or whatever really works), and wrap around each apricot quarter. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a tablespoon of minced rosemary. Broil for 20 minutes or until prosciutto is crisp and apricots are releasing their juices, turning once halfway through.
2. Meanwhile, roughly chop the remaining prosciutto, and add to a saute pan with a little olive oil. Allow it to cook for a few minutes.
3. Add the onions (and a bit more olive oil), allowing to become translucent, then add the crimini mushrooms. Allow them to soften a bit, and add the wild mushrooms. Season liberally with salt & pepper and cook until soft and fragrant.
4. While the mushroom mixture is cooking, cook the tagliatelle as per the instructions on the package.
5. Create a small well in the center of the pan, and make a roux with the flour and a tablespoon of butter. Add the heavy cream and remaining chopped rosemary and cook for a minute longer. Add the broth, bringing to a boil to thicken (5-7 minutes).
6. Drain the pasta, and toss with the sauce. Serve with 6 apricots per person.

Serves 2 as a main course.

*Don't use Blenheim 'cots -- slightly more tart apricots are better suited to this dish.

Comments

[Lenn]

Where's the pictures of the finished dish? PEOPLE WANT TO SEE!

[Amy]

Love apricot and mushroom idea. I assume you mean 6 apricot halves per person, right?

[Fatemeh]

Lenn - no picture this time; I'll be sure to make this again in the next couple of weeks, and will update with a picture then. Unfortunately, we were both famished and fell upon the meal without speaking for 20 minutes!

Amy - it's actually 6 quarters but, um, if you're anything like me, you'll steal a couple extra for your own plate. ;-)