bohemianwanderer – This creamy linguine dish features a rich sauce made from Swiss chard, mushrooms, and a blend of aromatic ingredients. To start, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add a finely sliced large onion, seasoning it generously with salt and black pepper. While the onion softens, wash the Swiss chard thoroughly. Slice the stalks into 1-2cm pieces and add them to the pan with the onions. Stir occasionally for 10-15 minutes, allowing them to cook until soft and tender.
Next, finely chop a small handful of tarragon, reserving a little for garnish later. Stir the tarragon into the pan along with 2-3 finely sliced garlic cloves and 1-2 teaspoons of ancho flakes. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, until the garlic becomes soft and fragrant. Cut the chard leaves into 2-3cm ribbons, then add them to the pan. Pour in 3 tablespoons of sherry and 250ml of double cream, followed by a few tablespoons of water to help create a smooth sauce. Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer gently for 7-8 minutes.
Cooking the Mushrooms and Pasta
While the chard mixture simmers, prepare the mushrooms. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil and 30g of butter in a second large frying pan over high heat. Add 400g of sliced chestnut or mixed mushrooms to the pan and sauté them, stirring often, for 10-12 minutes, until they start to turn golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the mushrooms to the onion and chard pan, mixing them in to combine the flavors.
In the meantime, cook 300g of linguine in a pot of well-salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a cup of pasta cooking water. Add the cooked linguine to the mushroom pan, using tongs to toss and combine. Gradually add a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking water to the pan, helping to create a silky smooth emulsion with the sauce. The starchy pasta water will help the sauce bind together, making it creamy and rich. Continue to toss until the pasta is well-coated, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
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Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the creamy linguine immediately, garnished with crumbled feta, toasted slivered almonds, lemon zest, and the reserved tarragon. The combination of creamy sauce, tender vegetables, and savory mushrooms makes this dish a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
