British style carbonara fusilli

Fusilli Carbonara British Style: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and tasty recipe for a family dinner or a meal with friends, you've come to the right place! British-style Fusilli Carbonara is a perfect combination of pasta, crispy bacon, and a creamy Cheddar cheese sauce that will delight your taste buds. This simple recipe promises to bring joy to your table without requiring hours of cooking. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

- 160 grams whole wheat fusilli
- 4 strips of smoked bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1 egg
- 50 grams grated Cheddar cheese
- Salt (for the pasta cooking water)
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)

The history of Carbonara is fascinating and full of controversy. Although its origins are often disputed, it is believed to have been created by workers in Rome who combined simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, and bacon with pasta to create a hearty and delicious dish. In the British style, we've added a distinct touch with Cheddar cheese, giving it a unique creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and add the whole wheat fusilli. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually for 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 4 tablespoons of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.

2. Prepare the bacon: In a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Cut the bacon strips into small pieces and add them to the pan. Fry the bacon for 5-7 minutes, until crispy and golden. It's essential to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

3. Add the flavors: Once the bacon is ready, add the crushed garlic clove and the rosemary sprig. Continue to fry for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent burning the garlic.

4. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, beat the egg together with the grated Cheddar cheese and the reserved 4 tablespoons of pasta cooking water. Mix well to create a creamy and smooth sauce.

5. The final combination: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with bacon and garlic. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Then, pour the egg and cheese sauce over the pasta, stirring quickly to avoid scrambling the egg. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired silky consistency.

6. Season: Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Serving: Serve this delicious dish immediately, sprinkling some extra grated Cheddar cheese on top and, if desired, a few fresh rosemary leaves for an attractive presentation.

Practical Tips:

- Al dente pasta: Make sure the pasta is al dente for a pleasant texture combined with the creamy sauce.
- Crispy bacon: If you prefer your bacon even crispier, you can fry it at a higher temperature or leave it on the heat longer, being careful not to burn it.
- Cheese variations: Instead of Cheddar cheese, you can use Parmigiano-Reggiano or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Healthy additions: You can add vegetables like fresh spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to enrich the recipe with vitamins.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 550 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I substitute the bacon? Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use smoked tofu or sautéed mushrooms to add flavor.

2. How can I make the sauce without egg? You can use cooking cream to achieve a creamy consistency, replacing the egg with 100 ml of cream.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just heat it up and add the sauce.

Now that you know all the secrets of this British-style Fusilli Carbonara recipe, all that's left is to get cooking! Don't forget to enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!