Miso Mushroom and Leek Pasta

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • Salt
  • 30 mL 2 tablespoons – olive oil, plus more as needed
  • 2 medium leeks, about 475 mL or 2 cups – leeks, white and light green parts thinly sliced, trimmed
  • 680 g 1½ pounds – mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake and/or oyster mushrooms), stemmed and sliced
  • 450 g 1 pound – short pasta, such as ziti or cavatappi (a farro, spelt or whole-wheat pasta would complement the earthy flavors nicely)
  • 30 mL 2 tablespoons – white miso
  • 175 mL 3/4 cup – grated Parmesan, plus more for garnishing
  • 1 tablespoon sherry or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves and tender stems

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, heat 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep 30 cm (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat (about 190°C to 205°C) until shimmering.
  • Add the leeks, season with salt, and cook, stirring often, until softened, which takes about 5 minutes. If the leeks look dry at any point, add a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Add the mushrooms to the leeks, season lightly with salt, and cook, stirring every 2 minutes, until the mushrooms have browned, about 10 minutes. (If the mushrooms are done before the pasta, adjust the heat to low) .
  • When the water is ready, add the pasta and cook until al dente.
  • Halfway through the cooking process, reserve 240 mL (1 cup) of the pasta water and let it cool slightly on the counter.
  • Drain the pasta in a colander and drizzle with olive oil if it is done before the mushrooms.
  • When both the mushrooms and pasta are done, stir the miso into the reserved pasta water until it is mostly dissolved.
  • Add the miso mixture to the Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat (about 190°C to 205°C) along with the pasta, cheese, and vinegar. Stir vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until a cheesy sauce forms and coats the noodles.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and season to taste with more vinegar if needed.
  • Garnish with the parsley and more cheese; serve with a final drizzle of oil.
original recipe