Creamy Mushroom Farfalle with Steamed Veggies

Ever come across a moment in life that changes the way you see a certain thing, person or sometimes even a situation? Among other larger such 'moments-of-change', to me is hidden this one moment that revolutionized the way I saw a little button of a thing - Mushroom. And, such was the theme for last month's Free-Spirit Bloggers. It was chosen by none other than Anupama of Love and Lentils. 

Anupama challenged us to pick out a food/ingredient that we steer clear of. Something we've never liked as a child or even as a grown up and cook with it. Not to forget she asked us to have fun doing so. Here's my story keeping in mind this wonderfully challenging theme.

It would seem normal for a pure vegetarian to state he or she did not like mushrooms because of its taste and texture. But for me, being a meat-eater did nothing towards how I saw mushrooms until very recently. I must thank my very close pal, V, for introducing me to this way of cooking mushrooms. V found this recipe in some cookbook, apparently. Now, there's almost nothing to hate and everything to love when I think of mushrooms.

I love pasta, but I never for once imagined it would gain a new dimension of taste when you throw is a dash (or more, ahem!) of cream and mushrooms. I was so in love with it the day I ate it and now, I make it for lunch at least once a week (cutting back on the cream of course!). I must add my son loves this as much as I do. So, all you moms looking for a fresh new perspective on pasta - This is IT!

What's even more awesome is that you can club this with a side of fresh steamed veggies and voila what do you have? Creamy Mushroom Farfalle with Steamed Veggies!!

Pasta leaves me stumped when it comes to showing off its ability to adapt and absorb any flavour you toss it in. And this recipe is a winner, hands down. In fact, if you love mushrooms, but not pasta you GOTTA TRY THIS. You will come back to me and thank me, telling me this was your 'moment-of-change'.

Ingredients

1.5 Cups cooked Farfalle/bowtie pasta (Here's how to cook pasta)

1 Cup sliced button mushrooms

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tbsp Unsalted butter (optional)

1/4 Cup Cream (Use more if you're feeling indulgent)

Steamed veggies (Your choice of vegetables; Optional)

1 tsp ground pepper

Grated Parmesan cheese(Optional; I've not used it here)

And, of course, some salt to taste

Method

- In a non-stick saucepan, heat butter until melted

- Add crushed garlic and stir a few seconds

- Add sliced mushrooms and stir 

- Lower flame, cover and allow mushrooms to cook; About 3 minutes, stirring occasionally

- Pour cream and allow to barely come to a boil

- Toss in cooked farfalle pasta and stir until it is well coated with the creamy mushroom sauce

- Transfer to serving plate, sprinkle pepper and grated Parmesan cheese

- Serve hot along with a side of steamed vegetables

SERVES 2

See what other FSB-ites have in store for you (Will update links with more)
Lataji's Mushroom Pulav
Nags' Mung Bean Sprouts Biryani with Soy Chunks
Mridhubhashini's Bombay Chutney
Siri's Blueberry Yogurt Kanten