Mushroom Mezzelune with Crispy Sage & Brown Butter
Serves 2 as a generous starter or 4 tasting portions
Fresh Pasta Dough
- 200 g 00 flour or all-purpose
- 2 large egg yolks + 1 whole egg
- Pinch of salt
- Semolina flour for dusting
Mushroom filling
- 15 g dried porcini mushrooms
- 150 g chestnut mushrooms or cremini, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 25 g grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp mascarpone optional for creaminess
Sauce: Brown Butter
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 6 to 8 fresh sage leaves
- 30 g hazelnuts toasted and roughly chopped
- Salt to finish
Pasta Dough
Make a well in the flour, add eggs and salt, and incorporate with a fork.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Wrap and rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
Filling
Soak dried porcini in hot water for 20 minutes. Drain and finely chop (reserve soaking liquid).
Sauté shallot and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add fresh mushrooms and porcini. Cook until dry and golden.
Add thyme, and a splash of porcini soaking liquid. Cook off moisture.
Off heat, stir in cheese (and mascarpone if using). Season well.
Cool before filling.
Shaping the Mezzelune
Roll out pasta thinly (to setting 6 or 7 on a pasta machine).
Cut circles (~8cm diameter) with a cutter or glass.
Place a small spoonful of filling on each, dampen the edge with water, and fold into a half-moon. Press out air and seal well.
Dust with semolina and cover with a clean cloth until ready to cook.
Brown Butter Sage Sauce
In a small pan, melt butter on medium heat until it foams and browns (nutty aroma).
Add sage leaves and fry until crisp.
Turn off heat, stir in chopped hazelnuts and season lightly.
Cook & Plate
Boil mezzelune in salted water for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Drain gently and toss with the brown butter sauce.
Plate with extra hazelnuts and sage leaves on top. Finish with microplaned cheese or a little truffle oil if desired.