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Special Diet Information

Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.

Lactose
This recipe contains cheese and some of those who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it.

Sodium
This is NOT a low sodium recipe.

GERD / Acid Reflux
No specific GERD triggers.

Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten. Use gluten-free pasta in this dish.

 

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -Bernard Meltzer, Radio Host

The refrigerator light goes on...

This is one of those recipes that proves Mediterranean diet is healthy. Lots of good fats, low in saturated fat, high in fiber and full of flavor.

Original recipes generally call for bacon or pancetta, but I use prosciutto because it's more widely available. On the other hand, the addition of peas is clearly a Western variation, but they add so much and make this a full meal (pretty too).

It's critical that the pasta be hot, hot, hot when you add it to the eggs so that they will cook. Once your pasta is in the skillet, turn the heat up and add a bit of pasta water (if needed) to help mingle the flavors and bring this up to the right temperature.

This does have a little more sodium in it than I usually target for. Those on a very low sodium diet can use low sodium sliced ham as a substitute for the prosciutto.

 
 

Pasta Carbonara

Servings: 2 | Serving size: 2 ounces pasta with sauce and peas

Cooking Time: 30 Minutes

This recipe can easily be multiplied but does not make very good leftovers.

Pasta Carbonara recipe from Dr. Gourmet

Ingredients

Place the water in a large sauce pan over high heat. When the water boils, add the pasta.

While the water is heating, place the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and prosciutto. Cook, stirring frequently, until the ham begins to turn crisp. Adjust the heat so that the garlic doesn't turn dark brown but light golden.

Add the peas and reduce the heat to low.

In a separate, large bowl whisk the eggs together with the grated parmesan. Season with pepper.

When the pasta is cooked, add the white wine to the skillet and then the pasta, removing the pasta from the water with tongs. Increase the heat to medium high.

After the pasta is hot (about two minutes) remove the garlic and discard it, then add the contents of the skillet to the egg and cheese mixture. Fold together well with a rubber spatula to cook the eggs. Serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 2 ounces pasta with sauce and peas

Servings: 2

Amount Per Serving

Calories 497 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value
Total Fat 17g 22%
    Saturated Fat 6g 31%
    Monounsaturated Fat 6g
    Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 221mg 74%
Sodium 766mg 34%
Total Carbohydrates 53g 19%
    Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
    Sugars 5g
Protein 31g
Vitamin K 22mcg