PASTA CARBONARA WITH SHIITAKE BACON
SERVES 4 TO 6 PORTIONS
FOR THE SHIITAKE BACON
1 lb. (16oz / 454g) shiitake mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
FOR THE CARBONARA
1 lb. (16oz / 454g) long pasta (spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine) (or gluten-free pasta)
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
14 oz (397g) soft tofu
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 1/2 tsp. sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish
Parmesan Topping, optional
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Calories: 386kcal
Fat: 27.1g (4.9g S.Fat)
Carbs: 30.6g
Protein: 10.8g
Sugar: 13.3g
Sodium: 1007mg
METHOD
FOR THE SHIITAKE BACON
Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F.
Toss mushrooms with oil, salt, and pepper on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until lightly browned and crisp, turning frequently with a spatula.
FOR THE PASTA
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Return to the pot after draining.
In the meantime, heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion until it is soft. Cook for a few minutes more after adding the garlic. Take the pan off the heat.
Combine the onion, garlic, tofu, water, lemon juice, and salt in a blender. Process on high for 2 minutes, or until very smooth.
Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the pasta to sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve with shiitake bacon, parsley, and Parmesan topping, if using.
Toss mushrooms with oil, salt, and pepper on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until lightly browned and crisp, turning frequently with a spatula.
In the meantime, heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion until it is soft. Cook for a few minutes more after adding the garlic. Take the pan off the heat.
Combine the onion, garlic, tofu, water, lemon juice, and salt in a blender. Process on high for 2 minutes, or until very smooth.
Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the pasta to sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve with shiitake bacon, parsley, and Parmesan topping, if using.
