Miso Mushroom and Leek Pasta Recipe

Miso Mushroom and Leek Pasta is a savory and umami-packed dish that combines earthy mushrooms, sweet leeks, and the depth of miso to create a rich, flavorful sauce. This pasta is easy to make and is perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of miso and mushrooms gives the sauce a deep, almost meaty flavor, while the leeks add a subtle sweetness. Here’s how to make it:

Miso Mushroom and Leek Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or pappardelle)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms (or button mushrooms), thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste (or red miso for a stronger flavor)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Leeks and Mushrooms:

• While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the leeks and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they release their moisture and become browned and tender. Stir occasionally.

3. Add Garlic and Miso Paste:

• Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the miso paste, breaking it up and mixing it with the vegetables. The miso should start to dissolve and become aromatic.

4. Create the Sauce:

• Add the soy sauce and vegetable broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) to create a creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water until you achieve the desired consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

6. Serve:

• Divide the pasta among plates, garnishing with fresh parsley or chives and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Best Miso Mushroom and Leek Pasta:

• Mushrooms: You can use a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or maitake for an even deeper flavor, but cremini or button mushrooms work great as well.
• Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the butter and use a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream or oat cream) instead of heavy cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Miso Paste: If you’re new to cooking with miso, start with a lighter miso paste (like white miso) and adjust the amount to your taste. Red miso is richer and stronger, so you may want to use less of it.
• Adding Greens: If you want to add some greens to the dish, spinach, kale, or arugula would be a great addition. Simply toss them in toward the end of cooking to wilt them into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
• Pair with wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and the richness of the miso cream sauce.

This Miso Mushroom and Leek Pasta is a comforting, umami-packed dish that’s full of flavor and surprisingly easy to make. It’s a great way to elevate your pasta dinner with a little twist on traditional flavors!