Prosecco’s Orrecchiette Tartufate
Ristorante Prosecco (710 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL)
Created by Executive Chef and Owner
Mark Sparacino
Description: Fresh disc-shaped pasta, wild mushrooms, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes,
black truffle cream, shaved Grana Padano, white truffle oil.
The Nomination
“Prosecco Restaurant Chicago has a dish called Orecchiette Tartufate which consists of pasta, wild mushrooms, asparagus, sun dried tomatoes, black truffle cream, shaved Grana Padano and white truffle oil that will make you wet your pants...seriously....”
Maralyn
If you like Italian, then you must indulge in this ridiculous dish found at Prosecco in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Prosecco’s talented Executive Chef, Mark Sparacino, created this rich, “mulfato”(mixed up), savory dish called Orecchiette Tartufate. The orecchiette pasta comes from Southern Italy and the truffles typically come from the Northern part of Italy. The truffle cream acts as a base and works really well in holding flavors and allowing the truffle flavors to shine through. The original dish included fresh artichokes, but they were not readily available year-round, therefore Chef Sparacino made the switch to fresh asparagus, which are more readily available throughout the year. This dish is made to order, so it comes out fresh every time. The mushrooms are first sautéed and rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes are then added. The asparagus is blanched and shocked to remain crisp and fresh, before adding black truffle paste. The truffle cream is reduced, and the pasta is then worked into the mixture. The white truffle oil is incorporated to finish the dish, which provides another layer of flavor. Orecchiette means little ear and is more of a regional dish to the southern region of Italy (Campania). If this dish doesn’t take you back to Italy, then I don’t know what will!
Addictive Properties
Truffles! Truffles! Truffles! White truffles are mostly available in November, December, and sometimes January. Black truffles are available during the summer and winter months and are available in more regions of Italy.
Addictive Rating (On a scale 1-10)
9.0
Chef de Cuisine
Good news folks! You can make this dish at home using the ingredients listed above, but Chef won’t give out the exact recipe.