Heston's Pea And Pancetta Spaghetti
If you're a fan of Italian food, you're probably familiar with spaghetti carbonara, a classic dish that combines spaghetti, pancetta, egg yolks, and Parmesan cheese. But have you ever tried Heston's pea and pancetta spaghetti? This twist on the traditional carbonara recipe adds a pop of color and flavor with fresh peas and a touch of lemon zest.
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 100g pancetta, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. You can find pancetta at most grocery stores, but if you can't find it, you can substitute with bacon or prosciutto. Fresh peas are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use frozen peas if fresh ones are not available.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large pan, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the thawed peas to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the pan with the pancetta and peas. Remove from heat.
- Pour the egg yolk mixture over the spaghetti and toss until the pasta is coated evenly.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
That's it! This dish is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The fresh peas add a nice crunch and sweetness to the savory pancetta and spaghetti, and the lemon zest gives it a zingy freshness. The egg yolks and Parmesan cheese create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can also customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use bacon or prosciutto instead of pancetta.
- Add some chopped mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
- Use zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti for a low-carb option.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!
Conclusion
Heston's pea and pancetta spaghetti is a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that's sure to please your taste buds. So next time you're in the mood for Italian food, give this recipe a try!