Brown Butter & Cream Orecchiette with Cremini Mushrooms & Kale
Mushroom lovers, this one's for you.
Ingredients
1 package (1 lb. or 500 grams)
1 cup peeled hazelnuts
6 tbsp. butter, cut into pieces
1 ½ lbs. cremini mushrooms,
Kosher salt
Black pepper
White pepper
2 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves,
4 large cloves garlic, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 2 tbsp.)
1 bundle Lacinato kale (also
Freshly grated nutmeg, about 1/4 tsp.
½ to 3/4 cup heavy cream,
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for passing at the table
Directions
Step 1 Preheat the oven to 300°.
Step 2 Bring a large pot of water to a boilfor the pasta.
Step 3 Chop the nuts and place on a small baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4 Meanwhile, in a large (12- to 14-inch) skillet, melt the butter over medium heat; cook, stirring often, until brown and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms; cook until browned, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Add the thyme, garlic, and lemon juice; toss until coated, about 1 minute. Add the kale; toss until wilted, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg, then the cream; cook, stirring often, until heated through, about 1 minute.
Step 5 After the mushrooms have been browning for 10 to 12 minutes, salt the boiling water, add the pasta, and cook until 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water just before draining.
Step 6 Drain the pasta and toss with the mushrooms, 1 cup cheese, and the pasta cooking water. Season; top with the nuts. Pass more cheese at the table.
