How To Cook A Classic Pasta Dish! Courgette Carbonara Recipe By Jamie Oliver

Summary

This recipe brings together a deliciously unique twist on the classic carbonara with the addition of courgettes and a touch of thyme. The dish is made with thickly sliced pancetta or smoky bacon, combined with penne pasta, sautéed courgettes, and a creamy egg and parmesan sauce. The courgettes add a lovely texture, while the fresh herbs and a generous amount of pepper elevate the flavor. This simple yet flavorful dish can be made in the time it takes to cook the pasta, creating a rich, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.

Takeaways

• 😀 A classic pasta dish, carbonara, is the focus of this recipe.
• 😀 The dish includes vegetables like courgettes and asparagus, which complement the carbonara perfectly.
• 😀 For the base, panchetta or smoky bacon is used, cut into chunky pieces for added texture.
• 😀 The choice of pasta for carbonara is typically penne, according to Italian tradition, although linguini and spaghetti can also be used.
• 😀 The pasta is seasoned with salt and cooked until al dente, which is crucial for the right texture.
• 😀 Courgettes are cut into quartered pieces and sautéed with bacon and herbs to absorb the savory flavors.
• 😀 The dish requires generous amounts of black pepper for flavor and heat, as taught by Italians.
• 😀 Fresh thyme, including lemon thyme and flowering variegated thyme, is added to the mix, enhancing the flavor profile.
• 😀 A simple carbonara sauce consists of egg yolks, cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese—avoid pre-grated cheese for better taste.
• 😀 The key to achieving the perfect carbonara sauce is to add the egg mixture at the right time, ensuring a silky and smooth texture without scrambling the eggs.
• 😀 The pasta, once drained, is combined with the courgettes, bacon, and the egg mixture to create a creamy, flavorful coating, finishing off with a drizzle of olive oil.

Q & A

What is the main dish being prepared in the script?

The main dish being prepared is a Courgette Carbonara, a twist on the classic carbonara pasta with the addition of courgettes (zucchini).

Can pancetta be substituted in the recipe? If so, with what?

Yes, pancetta can be substituted with smoky bacon, which also works well in this recipe.

What type of pasta is recommended for the carbonara?

The recommended pasta is penne, although linguini or spaghetti can also be used. Penne is considered the classic choice by Italians.

Why is it important to cook the pancetta before adding the courgettes?

Cooking the pancetta first allows its fat to render out, creating a flavorful base for the courgettes to cook in. This also ensures the pancetta becomes golden and crispy.

What is the purpose of adding thyme to the dish?

Thyme complements both the courgettes and the pancetta by enhancing the flavor profile. The herb’s earthy and slightly citrusy notes work well with both the vegetables and the pork.

How do the courgettes get prepared for the recipe?

The courgettes are sliced into quarters, and then the core is removed. They are cut at an angle to resemble the shape of penne pasta, which helps them blend better with the dish.

How is the carbonara sauce made in this recipe?

The carbonara sauce is made by whisking together egg yolks, cream, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. It’s important to add this mixture to the pasta off the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Why is it important to reserve pasta water when draining the pasta?

Pasta water is rich in starch, which helps to create a silky, smooth sauce that better clings to the pasta. A splash of pasta water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency.

What should you do if the heat is too high when adding the egg mixture?

If the heat is too high, the egg mixture may turn into scrambled eggs instead of creating a creamy sauce. It's crucial to wait for the heat to subside before adding the egg mixture and tossing it with the pasta.

What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

The dish can be served with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and extra parmesan. It pairs well with a simple green salad or a crisp white wine.