Anyway.. I'll start with the first recipe I tried. It's really basic but I find it tasty. The problem is I need to find more recipes to throw into the mix so I don't get tired of the same thing every week. I know I need a bunch of fish recipes but that stuff can be expensive.
I'm not sure that's a true Mediterranean recipe though but it's close enough. I modified it a bit and only make half that (or less) since as leftovers it's a bit dry . I also cut the asparagus in three since my pan isnt the biggest and I probably have like two cups of mushrooms once they are sliced. I really like mushrooms!Truffle Oil and Parmesan Penne
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-pound bunch asparagus, bottoms trimmed, each spear cut in half
1 cup white button mushrooms, sliced
Coarse salt and ground black pepper to taste
Truffle-flavored olive oil to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the olive oil, asparagus and mushrooms. Saute until the asparagus is barely tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the pasta to the skillet and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Remove pan from heat, then drizzle the pasta with truffle-flavored olive oil. Toss, add the cheese and toss again.
Oh and I might be going overboard but I would like to grow my own basil since it's a bit pricey at the store and usually not the freshest and I hear it's not too hard to grow. However I don't live on a farm. So if anyone has any tips on 'urban gardening' or whatever it's called feel free to pass those on. If I did grow something it would be in a potted plant type of operation.
Also if you know of a good book with recipes I wouldn't be adverse to purchasing something. There's just a lot out there it seems to not sure what's good and what isn't.