Zuppa di Spaghetti ai Funghi is a comforting and hearty Italian soup that combines the richness of mushrooms with the satisfying texture of spaghetti. Here's how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) spaghetti (broken into shorter pieces)
- 400g (14 oz) mixed mushrooms (like cremini, porcini, or shiitake, sliced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy version)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Clean and slice the mushrooms.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Break the spaghetti into smaller pieces (about 2-inch lengths).
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Cook the Mushrooms:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown (about 5-7 minutes).
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Add the Broth:
- Pour the broth into the pot with the mushrooms.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Spaghetti:
- Add the broken spaghetti to the soup.
- Cook until the spaghetti is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
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Finish the Soup:
- If you prefer a creamy soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth.
- Mushroom Selection: For a deeper flavor, you can use a mix of wild mushrooms or add dried porcini mushrooms (soaked in warm water, then chopped).
- Creamy vs. Broth-based: The heavy cream is optional; skip it if you prefer a lighter, broth-based soup.
Enjoy your Zuppa di Spaghetti ai Funghi!
