Tijoes Fungi Recipes

FUNGI

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/4 cups water to a boil over medium-high.
• When water reaches a rolling boil, add okra and 2 teaspoons salt. Cook over medium-high until softened, about 4 minutes.
• Slowly and carefully, pour half the cornmeal into the water while whisking to prevent lumps. It will get very thick very quickly.
• Once the mixture is smooth, add the remaining cornmeal and the butter, whisking vigorously to combine.
• When smooth, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you'd like it a little thinner, whisk additional water into the mixture. Serve hot.

PASTA WITH FUNGHI TRIFOLATI

Steps:

• Soak the dried mushrooms in very hot water until soft, anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. When they are tender, remove the dried mushrooms from the soaking liquid with a slotted spoon, reserving the liquid; slice or chop if the pieces are large.
• Set a large pot of water to boil for the pasta and salt it. Put a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. When it is hot, add the garlic and onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the fresh mushrooms and dried mushrooms when they're ready, and cook until they give up their liquid and start to brown, at least 15 minutes. Add the white wine or mushroom-soaking liquid to the pot and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom as the liquid starts to bubble.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta until tender.
• Reduce skillet heat to low. Add remaining butter and the parsley, and stir to combine; sprinkle with salt and pepper. When the pasta is done, drain it. Add the pasta to the mushroom mixture, and toss until well combined. If the mixture is dry, add a little pasta water or mushroom-soaking liquid. If you like, garnish with Parmesan and more parsley.