Spaghetti Carbonara

Posted on: 27th August 2014

Posted in: Main dishes, Main Meals

On today’s blog is a spaghetti carbonara recipe. I adapted this recipe from others I found online, to make it simpler – by using one cheese instead of two, and by using a lower fat spread (instead of butter). I also used lean bacon instead of pancetta, because bacon is cheaper and more likely to be found in my fridge! I had not made this before, but it will now become a firm family favourite I’m sure!

Ingredients

• 150g (dry weight) spaghetti

• 20g reduced fat spread (I used Flora)

• 4 rashers lean bacon (or medallions), chopped

• 2 eggs
• 60g grana padana cheese (parmesan), grated (bought from Lidl)
• 1 tablespoon reduced fat double cream

• Black pepper to season

Method

1. In a large saucepan, bring the pasta to the boil and cook until al dente (just tender) – approx. 15 minutes. Drain

2. In a separate dish or bowl, combine the 2 eggs with the grated cheese. Leave to one side

3. In a second large saucepan, add the reduced fat spread, and once melted, add the chopped bacon to cook it

4. Once cooked, add the cooked drained pasta to the saucepan containing the bacon

5. Remove saucepan from the heat

6. Add the egg / cheese mixture to the spaghetti / bacon mixture, and mix quickly and thoroughly (doing this away from the heat prevents the egg from scrambling)
7. Add the cream and black pepper and mix through
8. Serve with a green salad or mixed vegetables and enjoy!

Servings

This meal will serve 2 hungry adults

Cost per serving

I bought all the ingredients this meal for £1.90 – less than £1 per adult serving. 500g of spaghetti from Lidl only costs 20p!