Pasta Milanese

To make pasta milanese, you will need:


* 8 oz ham, shredded
* 4 tbsp tomato puree
* 4-6oz butter, depending on taste
* 2 tbs olive oil (approximate)
* 2 tsp minced garlic
* handful of chopped fresh basil
* salt and pepper
* 1 lb pasta of your choice (dry weight), slightly undercooked.
* 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
* 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cup sliced white mushrooms (optional)

In a large frying pan, warm the olive oil and butter until the latter is melted. Add garlic and onion and gently fry for 3 minutes or until just soft, without buring. Add ham and mushroom and fry for another 2 minutes, stirring from time to time. Add tomato puree and stir well. Toss in the cooked pasta and allow to warm through, stirring all the time. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with cheese and chopped basil sprinkled on top.