SHIITAKE AND RICOTTA PATTIES

Shiitake and Ricotta Patties image

Yield Makes 8 patties, serving 2 as a light main course

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups coarsely chopped vine-ripened tomatoes (about 3/4 pound) freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup whole-milk ricotta
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (1 1/2 ounces)
2/3 cup fresh basil leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped
1 large egg, beaten lightly
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps:

In a food processor pulse mushrooms until ground coarse. In a heavy skillet heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté mushrooms, stirring, until liquid they give off is evaporated, about 4 minutes. Cool mushrooms.
In a heavy saucepan cook onion and garlic in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until onion is softened. Add tomatoes, pepper, and salt to taste and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes.
While sauce is cooking, in a bowl stir together mushrooms, ricotta, Parmesan, basil, egg, and salt and pepper to taste until combined well (mixture will be very soft). With well-floured hands shape mixture into eight 2-inch patties, shaking off excess flour.
In a medium non-stick skillet heat vegetable oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté patties in batches until deep golden, about 2 minutes on each side, transferring them to paper towels to drain.
Serve patties with tomato sauce.