Vermicelli with Ham and Mushrooms

Vermicelli with Ham and Mushrooms Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Vermicelli with ham and mushrooms is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender mushrooms, savory ham, and rich cream sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a classic Italian pasta dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of vermicelli pasta with ham and mushrooms is a simple yet flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

85 g (3 oz) button mushrooms, sliced
15 g (0.5 oz) butter
85 g (3 oz) cooked smoked ham, thinly sliced and chopped
140 ml (0.25 pt) single cream
salt and freshly ground pepper
250 g (g ounces) Buitoni vermicelli

How to prepare

Saute the mushrooms in the butter until they become tender.
Add the ham and cream to the mixture and cook gently, making sure not to boil, until the sauce thickens.
Season the sauce according to your taste.
Follow the instructions below to cook the vermicelli.
Drain the vermicelli and then mix it with the hot sauce.
Instructions for cooking the vermicelli:
Place 100 g of pasta in a pot of boiling water seasoned with 10 g of salt (for every 1 liter of water) for every 100 g of pasta.
Boil the pasta for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Variations

Add some chopped garlic or onions to the mushroom mixture for extra flavor.
Use bacon or pancetta instead of ham for a different twist on the dish.
Add some peas or spinach to the sauce for added color and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the mushrooms until they are tender to bring out their full flavor.

- When cooking the cream sauce, be sure to cook it gently and not let it boil to prevent curdling.

- Season the sauce with pepper to taste, but be careful not to overdo it as the ham already adds saltiness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the vermicelli with ham and mushrooms hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauteing the mushrooms until tender

- Cooking the cream sauce gently to prevent curdling

- Boiling the vermicelli according to package instructions

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as cremini or shiitake.

- Substitute heavy cream for single cream for a richer sauce.

- Use any type of pasta you have on hand if vermicelli is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mushroom and ham mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the vermicelli just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the vermicelli with ham and mushrooms in a shallow pasta bowl, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 7g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 2%

- Calcium: 5%

- Iron: 8%

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Gluten

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.

Summary

Vermicelli with ham and mushrooms is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a creamy sauce, tender mushrooms, and savory ham, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it with a glass of wine and good company for a perfect meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a simple yet elegant dish called Vermicelli with Ham and Mushrooms. I had never heard of it before, but something about the combination of flavors and textures caught my eye.

I first came across this recipe when I was a young girl, visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and this particular dish was one of her specialties. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

My aunt was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She explained that the key to a perfect Vermicelli with Ham and Mushrooms was in the quality of the ingredients. She showed me how to select the freshest mushrooms, the juiciest ham, and the finest vermicelli pasta. She also taught me the importance of cooking each component just right, so that they all came together harmoniously in the end.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions. It was about passion, creativity, and a deep connection to the food you were preparing. My aunt’s love for cooking was evident in every dish she made, and I knew I wanted to carry on that tradition.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my Vermicelli with Ham and Mushrooms recipe. I experimented with different seasonings, tried out new techniques, and incorporated my own personal touch to make it truly my own. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down to me.

One of the most memorable experiences I had with this recipe was when I prepared it for a gathering of friends and family. As they sat around the table, eagerly awaiting the first bite, I felt a sense of joy and satisfaction that words could not describe. The aroma of the dish filled the room, and the smiles on their faces told me everything I needed to know – I had succeeded in creating something truly special.

As the years passed, I continued to make Vermicelli with Ham and Mushrooms for special occasions, family dinners, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I made it, I was reminded of the love and care that went into every step of the process. It was more than just a recipe – it was a piece of my heart and soul that I shared with those I cared about.

Now, as I sit down to write this story, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have inspired me along the way. From my aunt in the countryside to my dear friends and family who have shared countless meals with me, each one has played a part in shaping me into the cook I am today.

I hope that as you read this story, you are inspired to try your hand at making Vermicelli with Ham and Mushrooms yourself. Remember to choose the best ingredients, cook with love and passion, and most importantly, share it with those you care about. For in the end, it is not just a dish on a plate – it is a memory, a tradition, and a piece of your heart that you pass on to others. Bon appétit!