SHIITAKE BACON

SERVES 4 TO 6 PORTIONS

454g (16oz) shiitake mushrooms, stems removed 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

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 136kcal
Fat: 10.3g (1.5g S.Fat)
Carbs: 12.7g
Protein: 1.4g
Sugar: 3.3g
Sodium: 686mg

METHOD

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.

RECIPE NOTES

I used King Oyster mushrooms as they have a meatier texture, but you can use any mushrooms you like or available in your area.

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.