Directions
Method
Begin by washing the morels. This is very important as the little crevices and hollow centres hide grit and dirt. Fill a large bowl with cold water and gently submerge the mushrooms. Swirl them round to dislodge any stubborn dirt and then remove and dry them in a clean tea towel or salad spinner.
Chop the morels lengthways into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Finely dice the shallot. Put a large frying pan on a medium heat and add half the butter. When it starts to bubble add the shallots and sauté until soft and sweet, don’t allow them to brown. Remove from the pan and put to one side.
Put the rest of the butter into the pan along with the morels. Gently soften the mushrooms over a medium-high heat. Keep them moving around the pan and allow to soften for about five minutes. Add the chicken stock to the pan and reduce by about a third before adding the cream and a splash of cognac. Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer, add the shallots back to the pan and continue to reduce for about ten minutes.
Meanwhile, put a pan of salted water on to boil. Cook the spaghetti according to pack instructions. When ready, mix the spaghetti with the sauce and stir the parsley through then serve immediately.
Recipe Note
What makes morel pasta special?
Morel pasta is unique because morel mushrooms have a rich, meaty texture and deep earthy flavour that creates a luxurious pasta dish unlike traditional mushroom recipes.
How do I make a morel pasta recipe?
A morel pasta recipe typically involves gently cooking the mushrooms before combining them with pasta and a rich sauce. Cream, stock and herbs are popular pairings because they enhance the natural flavour of the morels.
Can I use dried morels for morel mushroom pasta?
Yes. Dried morels work well in morel mushroom pasta and can provide intense flavour. Soak them before cooking and use the soaking liquid to add extra mushroom depth to the sauce.
What is the best sauce for morels?
A morel cream sauce pasta is one of the most popular ways to enjoy these mushrooms. Cream, butter, stock and a splash of wine or spirits create a rich sauce that complements the earthy flavour of morels.
Can I make pasta with morels without cream?
Yes. While cream creates a luxurious texture, pasta with morels can also be made with butter, stock, olive oil or a lighter sauce to highlight the mushroom flavour.
When is the best time to make morels pasta?
Fresh morels are seasonal, so morels pasta is best enjoyed during their short growing season when the mushrooms are at their freshest and most flavourful.
