MUSHROOM SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE

Sometimes, it's good to try out new delicacies of supposed foreign origin. One of such meals is Mushroom Spaghetti Bolognese.

INGREDIENTS AND QUANTITIES

• 1 pound (16 ounces) dry pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced

• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced

• 2 celery ribs, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

• 1 pound (16 ounces) assorted fresh mushrooms, diced (I used baby bellas, shiitake, cremini and porcini mushrooms)

• 2/3 cup red wine

• 1 2/3 cups vegetable stock

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (*or alternatives )

• pinch of crushed red pepper

• Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper

• grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (omit the cheese if making this vegan)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of generously-salted boiling water. Then Drain. (I recommend actually adding the pasta to the water at about the same time that you add the stock to the sauce, for ideal timing.)

2. Meanwhile, in a separate large saute pan, add the butter and cook over medium-high heat until melted. Add the onion, carrot and celery and saute for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and mostly cooked through. Add the garlic and mushrooms and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned, and all of the vegetables are completely cooked through.

3. Pour in the wine, and give the mixture a good stir. Let the mixture come to a boil and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the wine is reduced by about half.

4. Add in the vegetable stock, tomato sauce, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the mixture continue cooking until it comes to simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes so that it slightly reduces.

5. Taste, and season with extra salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and/or crushed red pepper if needed.

6. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, combine it with the sauce and toss until combined. Garnish with the cheese.

Enjoy your meal.