Porcini season is finally upon us, which means restaurant menus across New York City and beyond will be graced with this very special ingredient. Enjoyed dried and fresh, these prized mushrooms are highly sought after due to their short season and cumbersome cultivation process. Dried porcini add an incredible depth and richness to broths, stocks, and stews, while their fresh counterparts are better savored sautéed or added to risotto, pasta dishes, or even pizza. The possibilities are endless, which has been proven time and time again by chefs all over New York City by their classical and more creative applications of these earthy, meaty toadstools. So where can you enjoy these flavorful funghi? We’ve rounded up some delicious dishes starring porcini that are sure to please!
Porcini Pizza at Malaparte
Tucked in a cozy corner of the West Village, Malaparte serves a slice of Italy to the locals and tourists passing through this quaint neighborhood. A 48-hour fermented dough sets the stage for this showstopper, starring porcini mushrooms from Umbria. A year-round menu staple that pops up as a weekly special, this pizza is finished with truffle oil for an added boost of mushroom umami.
Porcini pizza at Malaparte
Focaccia di Recco con Porcini at Piccola Cucina Uptown
Hailing from the Ligurian town of Recco, this unleavened, paper-thin bread is traditionally served stuffed with a generous layer of melted soft cheese. Chef Philip Guardione takes the traditional recipe and elevates it with porcini. A layer of stracchino or crescenza, a soft cow’s milk cheese, is studded with porcini mushrooms and sandwiched between two pieces of simple focaccia made of flour, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and water. Head to the uptown location to sample this special spin on a classic.
Focaccia di Recco Porcini at Piccola Cucina Uptown
Risotto ai Porcini and Ravioli ai Porcini at Il Mulino Downtown
Porcini is to risotto as guanciale is to carbonara, and Il Mulino Downtown’s Risotto ai Porcini is proof for our palates. Arborio rice is cooked with porcini and a touch of black truffle for an irresistibly creamy version of the dish. If filled pasta is preferred, they’ve got that covered too. Try their Ravioli ai Porcini, served in a luxurious champagne cream sauce.
Porcini risotto at Il Mulino Downtown
Fagottini Ripieni at Flora
Pop down to Park Slope to sample Flora’s fresh-baked Fagottini Ripieni. These dainty hand-shaped dumplings are filled with a mixture of fresh ricotta, imported porcini mushrooms, and extra virgin olive oil. Served with imported mortadella, pistachio, and fresh pecorino, they’re available as an antipasto nightly for dinner and on weekends during brunch service.