Warm Maitake Pasta with Citrus Soy Dressing

By Jaden Hair,  Steamy Kitchen

serves 4 as part of a multi-course meal

16 ounces Hokto Maitake Mushrooms, ends trimmed and separated (or other Japanese mushrooms of your choice)
1/2 pound dried pasta of your choice
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon minced fresh herbs of your choice (i.e. cilantro, parsley., green onion, chives)

For the dressing
1 lemon, zested
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
11/2 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain.

2. To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients except for the extra virgin olive oil in a bowl. Whisk for a few seconds, until all ingredients are combined. Then drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and whisk briskly until emulsified.

3. Heat a fry pan or skillet over medium high heat. When hot, swirl in the cooking oil and add the mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes until the mushrooms have softened. Turn off heat, toss in the cooked pasta, citrus soy sauce, sesame seeds and the fresh herbs.