How to Make Ham Carbonara with Peas

If you're looking for a hearty and comforting pasta dish, look no further than Ham Carbonara with Peas. This classic Italian recipe combines the rich flavors of creamy carbonara sauce with the salty goodness of ham and the sweetness of peas. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let's dive into how to make this delicious dish step by step.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti: 12 ounces
• Eggs: 2 large, plus 2 yolks
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
• Ham: 8 ounces, diced
• Peas: 1 cup, frozen or fresh
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: To taste
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.

2. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Ham and Peas: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Stir in the peas and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the ham and peas. Toss to combine, ensuring that the spaghetti is coated evenly with the ham and peas.

5. Add the Carbonara Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the carbonara sauce over the spaghetti and quickly toss to combine. The residual heat from the spaghetti will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

6. Serve: Divide the Ham Carbonara with Peas among serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamier texture.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Add Pasta Water Gradually: When adding the reserved pasta water to the sauce, do so gradually to avoid making the sauce too thin.

Conclusion

Ham carbonara with peas is a delightful Italian pasta dish that combines simplicity with sophistication. With its creamy sauce, savory ham, and vibrant peas, it's sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner for two or shared with family and friends, ham carbonara with peas is a timeless classic that never disappoints.

(FAQs)

Q. What type of pasta is best for carbonara?

Ans: Spaghetti or linguine are traditional choices for carbonara, but you can use other types of pasta like fettuccine or rigatoni.

Q. Can I use bacon instead of ham?

Ans: Yes, bacon can be substituted for ham to add a smoky flavor to the dish.

Q. How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in the sauce?

Ans: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture, and toss the pasta quickly.

Q. Is carbonara suitable for vegetarians?

Ans: Traditional carbonara contains pork (ham or bacon) and eggs, so it's not vegetarian. However, you can make a vegetarian version using meat substitutes or omitting the meat altogether.

Q. Can I make carbonara ahead of time?

Ans: While carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.