Recipe: Portobello & Leek Carbonara

I LOVE pasta. 

Not every day. Or every week even. 

But once in a while, I get that craving.. that rich, creamy taste just makes my mouth water. 

This is how I know I can never be a full time paleo... tician? 

Oh well. As long as every thing's in moderation, right?

Pasta + Eggs. 

What a wonderful concept.

Have you ever tried it? 

Oh my gosh, it's the bees knees!

The recipe for the carbonara I made last night called for a mixture of eggs and parm to be folded into the pasta right before serving. The result turned out better than I could have expected. 

The only complaint from the husband was that he could have used more bacon. 

Story of my life. 

My excuse was that this was a "diet" version...

a concept destroyed by an immediate second serving. 

Goal for the rest of my life? Restraint. 

I'll keep working on it. 

Portobello and Leek Carbonara 

[adapted from my foodie blog crush, How Sweet It Is] serves 2-4 

Ingredients

-4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

-2 leeks, trimmed, cleaned and patted dry 

-12 ounces portobello mushrooms, chopped  

-1/2 pound whole wheat linguine 

-2 large eggs

-3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 

Directions

Bring water for pasta to a boil. 

Heat a large skillet oven medium heat and add bacon. Cook until fat is rendered and bacon is crispy – about 6-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain. Reduce heat to low. 

Add in leeks with a pinch of salt, then toss mushrooms on top. Stir everything together to coat, then let cook until ingredients are softened – about 5 minutes. At this time, throw the pasta in the water to cook – it is really important that the pasta is hot. While the pasta is cooking, mix eggs and cheese together in a large bowl. The mixture will be thick. 

As soon as pasta is finished, reserve 1/2-3/4 cup liquid, drain pasta and immediately throw into the skillet. Toss with the leeks and mushrooms to coat, then remove from heat. With a large spoon in one hand, add the egg mixture right on top and immediately begin stirring the pasta together. I usually stir for a good minute or two. At this time if desired, add the pasta water to the skillet to make things a bit more creamy and saucy. Toss in bacon. Serve immediately with extra cheese!