PASTA FUNGHI with Chanterelle & Porcini Mushrooms!

Currently, it's mushroom season in Germany, and fresh Chanterelles ("Pfifferlinge" in German) can only be bought around this time of the year!

So I had to take this opportunity to make a delicious Pasta Dish - Pasta Funghi with 2 different kinds of mushrooms, Chanterelles and Porcini, and fresh parsley!

Preparation Time: 20-25 Minutes

So here is what you need for 2 people:

• 200g fresh Chanterelles Mushrooms
• 15g dried Porcini Mushrooms
• 300g Penne
• 1 small-medium onion
• 1 clove of garlic
• 100ml Cream or Creme Fraiche
• Spices: Chicken/Vegetable Stock, Salt+Pepper, Herbs of Provence
• Fresh parsley (to taste)
• Parmesan to garnish

If you are using dried Porcini Mushrooms, start by soaking them in hot water for at least 45 Minutes (the longer, the softer!).

Since Chanterelles are mushrooms growing naturally in the forest, they often have a lot of dirt stuck to them. Wash them thoroughly, and cut them into bite-size pieces before we begin!

Okay now that your ingredients are ready, start by heating up some Olive Oil on medium heat.
Chop up the onion, and fry it for about 2 minutes, then chop up the garlic and add it. (Be sure not to add the garlic too early, it will turn bitter!)

Now, turn the pan on high eat, and add the Chanterelles Mushrooms. Let them cook for about 3 minutes, or until they have reduced in size and become soft.

In the meantime, cook your pasta in boiling water!

Now we will create the sauce, so take your mushroom-onion mixture out of the pan and set it aside for a moment. 
Put your creme fraiche / cream in the pan, and mix it with all your spices, the Porcini Mushrooms and the soaking water from the Porcini Mushrooms.
Depending on the consistency, you might need to add a little water or some starch.

Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, until everything has combined and formed a creamy sauce.

Now add your mushrooms and onions back into the sauce, chop up some fresh parsley and stir. (Don't let the parsley cook for too long!) 

And that's it - you're done!

Combine your pasta with the sauce, and garnish with some more parsley and Parmesan!

Let me know if you tried this recipe, or if you'd add/change something!

Some Bacon, Mozzarella Cheese, Champignons or even chicken would fit nicely.