Mushroom and Black Garlic Pasta

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Introduction

Ever stumbled upon an ingredient you never expected to find in your local grocery store and immediately wondered, “How can I make the most out of this discovery?” That was me when I recently found black garlic in Ksara. A delightful surprise, considering I’d never seen it back home in DC. A kind vendor at the vegetable stall warned me that it was medicinal, but I knew better. The fermented cloves, ebony-colored and sticky-sweet, have an incredible flavor that reminds me of a balsamic reduction or tamarind paste, with a hint of mellow garlic in the background. Intrigued and excited, I decided to create a simple yet special dish: Mushroom and Black Garlic Pasta.

Ingredients & Method

Black garlic’s unique taste permeates this pasta dish, complemented by earthy mushrooms and thyme. Here’s how you can recreate this gourmet delight in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta (I used fresh spinach spaghetti for that gorgeous green hue, but feel free to use your favorite type)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 3 – 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 cloves black garlic, minced (Epicure’s black garlic is a perfect choice)
• 3 – 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, minced (optional)
• 1/2 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

1. Cook the pasta: Follow the package directions for 1 lb of pasta. Once cooked, drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the mushrooms: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of sliced cremini or button mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices, about 5 minutes.
3. Add thyme: Throw in 3 – 4 sprigs of fresh thyme and continue to sauté until the liquid has cooked off, about 10 more minutes.
4. Sauté garlic: If needed, add a bit more olive oil, then add 6 minced cloves of black garlic, 3 – 4 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 minced jalapeno pepper (if using). Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Deglaze with wine: Pour in 1/2 cup of red wine and cook, scraping the pan to deglaze, until the wine has reduced, a couple of minutes.
6. Combine and season: Remove the thyme sprigs, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until heated through and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Top with parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy your culinary creation.

Discover the Unique Flavor of Epicure’s Black Garlic

If you taste a clove of black garlic plain, you’d be hard-pressed to believe this is garlic at all. Its sticky-sweet flavor is perfect for adding depth to simple dishes. So, next time you see black garlic, don’t hesitate to grab some. With Epicure’s black garlic, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating a gourmet experience. Visit our website to discover more about our unique products and how they can elevate your culinary creations.

Happy cooking from all of us at Epicure! 🍝

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