Ingredients
  • 1/3 pound sliced Prosciutto di Parma (thinly sliced but not shaved or it will be too thin to handle)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound mixed or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 8 large shallots, peeled, halved and thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 6 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup packed flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti
  • Freshly grated Pecorino and/or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves or peeled hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
Preparation

Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium to medium-high heat and, working with a few pieces at a time, crisp ham. Remove to cool and repeat. Break ham into pieces or slice into thin strips; reserve.
 
To skillet, add and heat oil, 2 turns of the pan. Add butter to oil and when it foams, add mushrooms and brown well, 10-12 minutes.

 
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
 
Add shallots and garlic to the browned mushrooms, season with salt, pepper and thyme. Stir 5-7 minutes, deglaze with wine. Add parsley and reduce heat. 
 
Season pasta water with salt and cook pasta to al dente. Add half a mug of starchy water to mushrooms, drain spaghetti and toss pasta in sauce to combine. Adjust seasoning and serve pasta in bowls topped with some crispy prosciutto, cheese and nuts.