Pino Luongo and Mark Stausman's Fresh Pasta with Meatballs and Mushrooms

Ingredients

8 ounces ground veal
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Italian parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 medium onion, chopped
12 ounces white button mushrooms, wiped clean, stems removed and sliced 1/2 inch thick

1 1/2 cups fresh sweet peas or thawed tiny frozen peas
1/2 cup vegetable stock or broth
6 mint leaves
1 1/2 pounds pasta alla chitarra or tagliolini
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Yields: 6 servings

Preparation

Take a piece of the meat mixture about the size of a small grape and roll the mixture between the palms of your hands into a small ball. Place on a plate, and repeat with the remaining meat mixture.

Line a large shallow plate with paper towels. Set aside.

Heat 1 cup of the olive oil in a 10- to 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Place only as many meatballs in the pan as you can without crowding them and panfry until browned and crisp on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until the other side is browned and crisp, about 2 minutes more. Remove the meatballs from the pan with a spatula and place on the prepared plate to drain. Repeat with any remaining meatballs.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in another large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent , about 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sauté 5 minutes. Add the peas, toss, and cook until the mushrooms release their liquid, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stock and mint and cook for another 5 minutes. Taste and, if necessary, adjust the seasoning. Add the meatballs, toss well, and set aside, covered, to keep warm.

Fill a 10-quart stockpot with 7 quarts of water. Add 2 tablespoons salt and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the pasta and stir it into the sauce. Add the butter, the Parmigiano, and a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking water, and heat over very low heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then toss thoroughly, drizzling with more olive oil if desired.