Spaghetti Carbonara With Bacon And Mushrooms
Spaghetti carbonara is a classic Italian dish that has become a staple in many American households. The traditional recipe calls for eggs, pancetta or bacon, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. However, this recipe adds a twist by incorporating mushrooms, which add a unique depth of flavor to the dish. This recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until tender and slightly browned. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the bacon and mushrooms. Toss to combine.
- Remove the skillet from heat and pour in the egg mixture, stirring constantly so the eggs don't scramble.
- If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the perfect spaghetti carbonara:
- Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold up well in the dish.
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh eggs, good quality bacon or pancetta, and real parmesan cheese.
- Be sure to whisk the egg mixture thoroughly so it's well combined and doesn't separate when added to the pasta.
- If you're worried about the eggs scrambling, you can temper them before adding them to the pasta. To do this, slowly add a ladleful of hot pasta water to the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This will bring the eggs up to temperature without cooking them.
- Don't be afraid to add a little extra pasta water if the dish seems dry. The starchy water will help create a silky sauce.
Conclusion
Spaghetti carbonara with bacon and mushrooms is a delicious twist on a classic dish that's perfect for any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that your whole family will love. So why not give it a try tonight?