A simple Pasta Dish with Peas and Mushrooms !

Dried mushrooms boost the flavor in this pasta dish;the flavor is concentrated and intense and their texture is good and meaty.It is good for dinner,lunch,and specially for kids Lunch boxes.

Here is what you are going to need:-

3/4 oz. dried shiitake mushrooms

2 and 1/2 cup to 3 cups  water

2 Tablespoon olive oil

1 small Red onion,finely diced.

salt and pepper

1/2 pound dried elbow pasta

1 cup frozen peas

1/4 cup grated parmigiano Reggiano

2 Table spoon unsalted butter

Few fresh basil leaves


Steps to make:-

1) Soak the dried mushrooms in 1 cup of water until they soften,about 10 minutes.

2) Heat the water in a sauce pan over low heat.

3) Transfer the mushrooms to a cutting board and chop them very coarsely.Slowly pour off the    mushroom soaking liquid in the  heating water,leaving any sediment behind.You got the mushroom broth ready.

4) Heat the oil in a large  heavy bottom sauce pan over medium heat .Add onion,season generously with salt and pepper.Cook ,stirring ,until the onion is soft and translucent ,about 3 minutes.

5) Add the pasta and cook ,stirring ,until it browns in places and is coated evenly with the oil ,about 1 minute.

6) Add the mushrooms and one cup of water from the mushroom broth;stir well.When the broth reaches a boil ,reduce the heat so that it simmers gently.

7) When the broth is completely absorbed ,continue the add broth in 1/2 cup increments,stirring until it is almost completely absorbed before adding more .

8) After the 3rd addition is absorbed ,toss in the peas and continue adding broth and stirring until the pasta is just tender,about 14 minutes(you may not need to use  all of the broth).

9) Stir in the cheese,butter and half of the basil.Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.

10) Serve immediately with the remaining basil sprinkled on top.

Note:-

1) If you like you can add chicken broth instead of plain water.I just wanted to make it pure vegetarian.