This dish combines the rich, gamey flavor of guinea fowl with the earthy, meaty taste of porcini mushrooms to create a complex and satisfying sauce that perfectly complements the fresh, hand-cut tagliatelle noodles. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in with loved ones or a special occasion with friends.
To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For the ragù, you’ll need one whole guinea fowl (or two guinea fowl breasts), a handful of dried porcini mushrooms, one large onion, two carrots, two celery stalks, a handful of fresh rosemary, and a handful of fresh thyme. You’ll also need a can of crushed tomatoes, a few cloves of garlic, and some chicken or vegetable broth. For the pasta, you’ll need about 250 grams of fresh tagliatelle.
Begin by soaking the porcini mushrooms in hot water for about 30 minutes. While they’re soaking, finely chop your onion, carrots, and celery, and mince your garlic. Heat some olive oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat, then add your chopped vegetables and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to soften.
While the vegetables are cooking, remove the guinea fowl meat from the bones and roughly chop it into small pieces. Once the vegetables are soft, add your guinea fowl meat to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides.
Drain your porcini mushrooms (reserving the liquid), chop them into small pieces, and add them to the pot along with the fresh rosemary and thyme. Cook for another few minutes until the mushrooms start to soften and release their juices.
Pour in your crushed tomatoes and about a cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Give everything a stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally and adding more broth as needed, until the guinea fowl is tender and the sauce is thick and rich.
While the ragù is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fresh tagliatelle and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the pot with the ragù. Give everything a good stir to combine, adding some of the reserved porcini mushroom liquid if the sauce seems too thick.
Serve your tagliatelle with guinea fowl and porcini mushroom ragù hot, garnished with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress and leave your guests feeling satisfied and comforted.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also a great way to introduce some unique and flavorful ingredients into your cooking repertoire. Guinea fowl is a less commonly used protein, but it’s a lean and nutritious option that brings a rich, gamey flavor to the dish. Porcini mushrooms are another ingredient that might not be a regular part of your shopping list, but they add a deep, earthy flavor that’s hard to replicate with other types of mushrooms.
So next time you’re in the mood for a pasta dish that’s a little bit special, give tagliatelle with guinea fowl and porcini mushroom ragù a try. With a little bit of patience and some attention to detail, you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal that’s sure to impress.