Savory Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta Sauce
Indulge in this delightful Savory Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta Sauce, a creation inspired by the Moosewood Cookbook. This dish balances the fresh, vibrant flavors of tender asparagus with the earthy richness of sautéed mushrooms, all enriched by a robust white wine sauce. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta, this sauce is versatile enough to elevate crepes, rice dishes, or even baked fish. For a touch of gourmet flair, consider topping your pasta with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkling of vibrant dill. This recipe is sure to become a favorite, whether you're preparing a family meal or hosting a special gathering.
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh asparagus
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
onions
1 1/2 cups (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
mushrooms
1 lb (sliced)
tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
dry white wine
1 1/2 cups (none)
water
1 cup (none)
flour
1-2 tablespoons (depending on desired thickness)
garlic cloves
6-8 (minced)
pasta
1 lb (cooked)
Instructions
1
Begin by steaming the fresh asparagus until it is just tender. Once cooked, transfer the asparagus to a colander and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain well.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onions and salt, sautéing for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
3
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the tarragon and freshly cracked black pepper. Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
Once the mushrooms are tender, pour in the dry white wine and water. Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a boil. Gradually sprinkle in the flour while whisking constantly until it completely dissolves into the liquid.
5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
6
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7
Finally, gently fold in the steamed asparagus just before serving. Toss with the cooked pasta in a large bowl, ensuring that the sauce is evenly distributed. Serve warm with a sprinkling of Parmesan or minced dill on top.
Nutrition Information
8.3
Fat
100
Carbs
13.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Savory Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta Sauce.
What was the inspiration for this dish?
This dish was inspired by the Moosewood Cookbook.
How much asparagus is required?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of fresh asparagus.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, then steamed until just tender.
Why is the asparagus rinsed in cold water after steaming?
Rinsing the asparagus in cold water stops the cooking process to keep it from becoming overcooked.
What type of fat is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of minced onions.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes or until they become translucent.
How many mushrooms are used in this sauce?
You will need 1 lb of sliced mushrooms.
What seasoning is added to the mushrooms?
The mushrooms are seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon and freshly cracked black pepper.
How long do the mushrooms need to cook?
The mushrooms should cook covered over medium heat for 15 minutes.
What kind of wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of dry white wine.
How much water is added to the sauce base?
1 cup of water is added along with the wine.
What is used to thicken the sauce?
Flour is used as a thickener, typically 1 to 2 tablespoons depending on the desired thickness.
How is the flour incorporated into the sauce?
The flour is gradually sprinkled into the boiling liquid while whisking constantly until dissolved.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding the flour?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 10 minutes on low heat.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6-8 minced garlic cloves.
When is the garlic added to the sauce?
Garlic is added after the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, and then cooked for 5 more minutes.
When should the asparagus be added back to the dish?
The steamed asparagus should be gently folded in just before serving.
How much pasta should be served with this sauce?
The sauce is designed to be tossed with 1 lb of cooked pasta.
What are the suggested toppings for this pasta?
Suggested toppings include freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkling of minced dill.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What other dishes can this sauce accompany?
This sauce is versatile and can elevate crepes, rice dishes, or even baked fish.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 533 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
The dish contains 13.3g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Savory Asparagus and Mushroom Pasta Sauce?
There are 8.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 100g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this sauce?
The sauce features fresh asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and a robust white wine and garlic base.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetarian, pasta, sauce, asparagus, mushrooms, moosewood, and dinner.