Asturian-style Pasta Carbonara

Ingredients

In the Asturian-style Pasta Carbonara, the traditional Italian pancetta is replaced with Asturian smoked bacon, known as panceta. Additionally, the sauce incorporates Asturian cheese, such as Cabrales or Gamonedo, which adds a distinct flavor to the dish. These adaptations give the dish a unique Asturian twist while still maintaining the creamy and comforting essence of the original Carbonara. We alse have the original recipe for Pasta carbonara, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) pasta 300g (10.5 oz) pasta
• 150g (5.3 oz) Asturian smoked bacon (panceta), diced 150g (5.3 oz) Asturian smoked bacon (panceta), diced
• 3 egg yolks 3 egg yolks
• 100g (3.5 oz) Asturian cheese (Cabrales or Gamonedo), grated 100g (3.5 oz) Asturian cheese (Cabrales or Gamonedo), grated
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced Asturian smoked bacon and cook until crispy.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Asturian cheese, and heavy cream until well combined.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Toss to combine.
6. 6.
   Pour the egg yolk and cheese mixture over the pasta and quickly toss to coat the pasta evenly. The residual heat will cook the egg yolks and create a creamy sauce.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
9. 9.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy and flavorful Asturian-style Pasta Carbonara.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Asturian smoked bacon (panceta) — Make sure to dice the bacon into small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of Asturian paprika (pimentón) to the sauce.
• If Cabrales or Gamonedo cheese is not available, you can substitute it with a strong-flavored blue cheese.
• To make the dish more Asturian, serve it with a side of Asturian cider (sidra) for a traditional pairing.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• To add some freshness, garnish the dish with lemon zest before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Asturian-style Pasta Carbonara hot, straight from the skillet, to fully enjoy its creamy and comforting flavors. Pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Asturian-style Pasta Carbonara in a shallow bowl, allowing the creamy sauce to coat the pasta beautifully. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.