Dietetic Carbonara with Pea Pesto

Dietetic Carbonara Recipe with Pea Pesto

Total preparation time: 35 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Today, I present to you a delicious, healthy, and colorful recipe: Dietetic Carbonara with Pea Pesto. This recipe is a modern reinterpretation of the famous carbonara pasta, replacing traditional ingredients with a green and nutritious variant. The pea pesto is not only an explosion of flavors but also adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 200 grams frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon seed mix (sunflower seeds, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds)
- 1 small clove of garlic
- 15 grams fresh basil
- 15 grams parmesan
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 150 grams whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 strip of bacon
- 100 ml low-fat organic yogurt
- 1 egg
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy! Peas are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. Olive oil provides healthy fats, and low-fat yogurt adds a creamy touch without loading on calories. Whole wheat spaghetti is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the peas: Start by placing the frozen peas in a strainer. Boil water and pour hot water over the peas, letting them thaw and warm for about 5 minutes. This step will help achieve a finer texture for the pesto.

2. Toasting the seeds: In a dry skillet, toast the seed mix over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This process will enhance the flavor of the seeds. Once toasted, transfer them to a mortar.

3. Making the pesto: Add the garlic clove, lemon juice and zest, fresh basil, salt, and parmesan to the mortar with the seeds. Use the pestle to grind the ingredients, forming a smooth paste. Finally, add the peas and continue grinding until you achieve a not too fine puree. Here you can adjust the texture to your liking, leaving some pea pieces for a pleasant contrast.

4. Cooking the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Then, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. Don't forget to save a cup of the water in which the pasta boiled to adjust the sauce later.

5. Preparing the bacon: Meanwhile, cut the strip of bacon into small pieces. In a skillet, add a splash of olive oil and fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess fat.

6. Finishing the sauce: In the remaining oil in the skillet, add three-quarters of the pea pesto you prepared earlier. Heat it over low heat. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the low-fat yogurt.

7. Mixing the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the pea pesto. Mix well to combine the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and add the egg and yogurt mixture, stirring quickly to prevent the egg from curdling. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved water.

8. Seasoning: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper according to your preferences.

9. Serving: Serve the pasta in a deep bowl, garnished with the remaining pea pesto and crispy bacon pieces. A slice of lemon on the side of the plate can add a touch of freshness and an attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions:
For a complete meal, you can accompany this dish with a simple green salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will pair perfectly with the flavors of this dish.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can also add some roasted cherry tomatoes or green olives for extra flavor. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon or replace it with fried tofu.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Yes, make sure to boil them for a few minutes before using them in the pesto.
- What other types of pasta can I use? You can use penne, fusilli, or any other preferred type, but whole wheat spaghetti offers a healthy and delicious touch.
- How can I store leftovers? This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water to restore the sauce's texture.

Now that you know how to prepare this Dietetic Carbonara with Pea Pesto, it's time to get cooking! This recipe will not only impress your loved ones but will also make you feel good and enjoy a healthy and flavorful dish. Enjoy your meal!