Clean the lobster mushrooms by gently wiping them with a damp cloth. Remove any dirt or debris. Slice them into thin strips and set aside.
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water and cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
Add the sliced lobster mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender.
Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, adjusting according to your taste.
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine with the mushrooms. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and thyme leaves. Give it a final toss.
Serve the lobster mushroom pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Lobster mushrooms are not actually a type of mushroom, but rather a unique parasitic fungus that grows on other mushrooms. They get their name from their vibrant red and orange color, which resembles the shell of a cooked lobster (their aroma can also be quite oceany when dried). Lobster mushrooms can be found in forests around the world, often growing on other fungi such as Russula or Lactarius species. Despite not being a mushroom themselves, lobster mushrooms are popular among foragers and chefs for their firm texture and rich umami flavor, which is said to resemble that of seafood.
Lobster mushrooms, despite their name, do not taste like lobster (although they do have a seafood-like aroma when dried). Some compare the taste to that of cooked lobster, while others find it closer to a combination of mushrooms and seafood. The texture of lobster mushrooms is also distinct, with a firm and slightly chewy consistency that adds a pleasant mouthfeel to dishes. Overall, lobster mushrooms offer a delightful culinary experience, making them a popular choice among mushroom enthusiasts and chefs alike.
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Read more here about lobster mushrooms.