ST. JOSEPH’S MUSHROOM SPAGHETTI WITH MUDICA

Prep Time: 1 Hour
Yields: 6–8 Servings

Comment:
Because St. Joseph’s day falls in the season of Lent, the feast includes meals without meat. This spaghetti has mushrooms instead of meat and is topped with Mudica, a mixture of Italian seasonings and bread crumbs which represents the sawdust of St. Joseph, a carpenter and the foster father of Jesus. Mudica was originally used as an inexpensive alternative or substitute for cheese.

Ingredients for Mudica:
1 cup panko bread crumbs
salt and black pepper to taste
granulated garlic to taste
1 tsp dried Italian seasonings
2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil

Method for Mudica:
In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic and Italian seasonings. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add seasoned bread crumbs and toss gently until evenly coated with oil. Sauté the mixture until lightly browned. Remove from heat, place in bowl and set aside to cool.

Ingredients for Mushroom Spaghetti:
1 cup thinly sliced button mushrooms
1 pound cooked spaghetti
2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup tomato sauce
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cups diced onions
½ cup diced fennel
½ cup diced yellow bell peppers
¼ cup sliced garlic
¼ cup golden raisins
4 cups vegetable stock or hot water
½ cup torn basil leaves
salt and black pepper to taste
granulated garlic to taste

Method for Mushroom Spaghetti:
In a large saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, fennel, bell peppers and sliced garlic then sauté 3–5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Add mushrooms and raisins then sauté 3–5 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, stock and torn basil leaves. Bring to a low boil, reduce to simmer and cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste using salt, black pepper and granulated garlic. Place cooked spaghetti in a large bowl, top with a small amount of sauce and toss to coat well. To serve, place spaghetti in center of a large serving platter and top with additional sauce. Garnish with Mudica and serve warm.