Cordyceps make a great appetizer or light entree. Don’t believe it? Try this recipe yourself today!
Prep: 15 min., Cook: 20 Min., Total: 35 Min., Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces fresh, whole Cordyceps mushrooms
- 3 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon toasted breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for finishing)
- 1 large shallot (cut in half, then julienned thinly)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sliced chives
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- A good handful of fresh watercress (trimmed into 1-2 inch pieces)
- Dried red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Directions:
- Gently cook the shallot and oil in an 8-inch fry pan. Stir occasionally, until the shallot is wilted and soft. Add the wine and reduce the heat by half.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and wait for them to wilt before turning off the heat. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente.
- Next, drain the pasta and toss with the mushrooms in the pan. Add salt and pepper (to taste) and chili flakes (optional), then toss in the watercress and chives. Season it with more olive oil (to taste), then reheat to warm everything through. Once warmed, divide the pasta between two warmed bowls. Garnish with the breadcrumbs and chives.
Notes:
- Cordyceps militaris, provides many of the same healthy compounds as the natural Cordyceps sinensis, making it a cheaper alternative for cooking without diminishing the flavor or many of the potential health benefits.
- Quality matters: Rustichella or Masciarelli pasta is best.
- Be sure to avoid overcooking the watercress and mushrooms.
Resources:
Bergo, Alan. 2018. “Cordyceps with Linguine, Shallots, Watercress and Chives.” Forager/Chef. Revised Jan.2023. https://foragerchef.com/cordyceps-militaris/#recipe
Real Mushrooms. N.D. “Cordyceps Sinensis vs Militaris: What’s the Best Cordyceps Supplement?” Revised Mar. 2025. https://www.realmushrooms.com/cordyceps-sinensis-vs-militaris/