Food: Feasts Under $5 – Lemon Herb Pasta with Burrata

For this week’s  Feast Under $5, I’m cooking Lemon Herb Pasta with Mushrooms, Tomatoes, and Burrata, a fresh Italian cheese made of mozzarella and cream. Burrata looks like a large ball of mozzarella, but it is softer in texture and, unlike regular, bland mozzarella, is sweeter in taste.  I also use the optional addition of truffle salt, which adds another layer of depth to this dish. Truffle salt – usually $5 for a small jar – is about half as expensive as truffle oil, and lasts a long time because you only need a dash. You don’t have to use it, just as you could substitute less expensive (though less interesting) mozzarella for burrata, but I want these Feasts Under $5 to be fun. Cheap food can be boring, and when people think “healthy” they often think “bland,” but I want to prove that it doesn’t have to be. Trying something you’ve never had before – like burrata – can make anyone more excited about shopping, cooking, or eating. I wish everyone was so excited about eating that just looking at a McDonald’s burger made them want to gag.

Lemon Herb Pasta with Burrata – serves 4
1 ball of burrata, cut or torn into small pieces (or substitute regular fresh mozzarella, cubed)
2 tbsp lemon juice
4 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 small shallot, minced
1 lb pasta
6 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 fresh tomatoes, diced
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup white wine
*optional: 1/4 tsp truffle salt (not included in cost)

In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute shallot, mushrooms, lemon juice, basil, and parsley in the oil and butter until shallot is translucent. Add wine and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. If using truffle salt, add now In the meantime, cook 1 lb of pasta (preferably fettucine)  in salted water. Drain cooked pasta, add to saucepan, stir. Add burrata or mozzarella, stir to distribute. Portion into bowls and top with tomatoes.

Financial Analysis:
Burrata: $8.99 (or substitute regular mozzarella, $4.99)
Mushrooms: $3.99
Shallot: $.50
1 lb dried Pasta: $1.99
Basil: $.75
Parsley: $.25
Tomatoes: $2.00
Wine: $1.27
Total: $19.74, or$4.93 per serving.

Again, this assumes you’ve already invested in the pantry staples.