Broken Pasta with Mushroom, Onion, and Crispy Spam: A Comfort Food Delight
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal? Look no further! This recipe for broken pasta with mushroom, onion, and crispy spam is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. The combination of earthy mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and salty, crispy spam creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, using broken pasta adds a rustic charm and cooks up faster than whole noodles. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a lazy weekend lunch, or even a potluck gathering. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece!
Why Broken Pasta?
Breaking pasta might seem unconventional, but it offers several advantages:
* **Faster Cooking:** Smaller pieces of pasta cook more quickly, saving you precious time.
* **Better Sauce Absorption:** The increased surface area allows the pasta to absorb more of the delicious sauce, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
* **Rustic Texture:** Broken pasta creates a more varied and interesting texture compared to uniformly shaped noodles.
* **It’s Fun!:** There’s something oddly satisfying about breaking pasta into smaller pieces. It’s a great way to relieve stress and get kids involved in the cooking process.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well). Break it into 2-3 inch pieces.
* **Spam:** 1 (12-ounce) can of Spam, cut into small cubes.
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces of your favorite mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms), sliced.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
* **Olive Oil:** 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup of chicken broth (vegetable broth works too).
* **Soy Sauce:** 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (optional, but adds a nice umami flavor).
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
* **Butter:** 1 tablespoon of butter (optional, adds richness).
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional).
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Large skillet or frying pan
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Garlic press (optional)
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Colander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious broken pasta with mushroom, onion, and crispy spam.
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Add the broken pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
**Step 2: Crisp the Spam**
1. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cubed Spam to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crispy on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The key is to not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
3. Once the Spam is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
**Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms**
1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and caramelized. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Be patient and don’t rush the process. The caramelized onions add a wonderful sweetness to the dish.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have released their moisture. This will take about 5-7 minutes. You can add a pinch of salt to help draw out the moisture from the mushrooms.
**Step 4: Create the Sauce**
1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the onions and mushrooms.
2. Add the soy sauce (if using) and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. If you want a richer sauce, stir in the tablespoon of butter at this point.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Spam is already quite salty, so be mindful of the amount of salt you add.
**Step 5: Combine Everything**
1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. You want the sauce to cling to the pasta.
3. Add the crispy Spam to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Reserve a few pieces of Spam for garnish, if desired.
4. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Serve the broken pasta with mushroom, onion, and crispy spam immediately.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
3. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Tips and Variations
* **Vegetarian Option:** To make this dish vegetarian, omit the Spam and add more mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
* **Spicy Version:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Creamy Version:** Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a creamier sauce.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as peas, carrots, or broccoli.
* **Different Protein:** If you’re not a fan of Spam, you can substitute it with cooked bacon, sausage, or chicken.
* **Cheese Please:** Add a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can cook the pasta and the sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This broken pasta dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors of the pasta.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful addition to the meal.
* **Tomato Soup:** A warm bowl of tomato soup is a comforting and satisfying complement to the pasta.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes.)
* Calories: 500-600 per serving
* Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
* Fat: 25-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams per serving
Conclusion
This broken pasta with mushroom, onion, and crispy spam is a versatile and delicious recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy to make, and can be customized to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is a winner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!