Vrtanj with Mushroom Sauce

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) spiral pasta (Vrtanj) 250g (8.8 oz) spiral pasta (Vrtanj)
• 250g (8.8 oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced 250g (8.8 oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 17g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spiral pasta (Vrtanj) according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
4. 4.
   Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked spiral pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta with the mushroom sauce.
7. 7.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pasta is heated through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Vrtanj with Mushroom Sauce hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing them under running water as mushrooms tend to absorb water, which can affect their texture when cooked.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense mushroom flavor, you can use a combination of different mushroom varieties such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.
• To add a touch of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish before serving.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
• Feel free to add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory kick.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Vrtanj with Mushroom Sauce as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. The creamy pasta pairs well with a glass of white wine, such as a Slovenian Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the dish. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and make the dish visually appealing.