A practical, vitamin-rich, and incredibly creamy pasta recipe where everything is cooked in one pan using the traditional Turkish "demleme" (absorption) method.
Servings 3people
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean, Turkish
Ingredients
The Veggie Mix
3cupsMushrooms, sliced
1mediumRed onion, sliced
1cupCherry tomatoes, halved
2clovesGarlic, minced
2cupsFresh baby spinach
3tbspOlive oil or vegetable oil
The Pasta & Sauce
8ozLinguine or spaghetti
¾cupHeavy cream
1tbspTomato paste or pepper paste
3cupsHot water
1cupGrated kashar cheese or mozzarella
1tspRed pepper flakes
½tspBlack pepper
1tspSalt
Equipment
Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for the "demleme" method.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For constant stirring.
Chef’s Knife: To finely slice the mushrooms and onions.
Colander: Only needed for washing the spinach!
Method
Start by sautéing your sliced mushrooms in a large pan with a bit of oil until they release their water and turn golden brown. Pro Tip: Sautéing them first gives a much deeper flavor than just boiling them with the pasta.
Add the dry pasta directly into the pan with the mushrooms. Arrange the sliced onions, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and one handful of spinach around the pasta.
Pour in the heavy cream and add the tomato/pepper paste. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Pour enough hot water to just barely cover the pasta and veggies. Cover the lid and cook over medium heat. Do not open the lid until the pasta has absorbed almost all the water.
Once the water is absorbed and the pasta is "al dente," open the lid. Add the second handful of fresh spinach and the grated kashar cheese.
Stir everything gently until the cheese melts and forms a silky, glossy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your 10-minute masterpiece!