Nadia Montenegro Cooks Up Her Homemade Carbonara | Metro.Style

guanciale

🥗Healthier: pancetta

💰Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta is leaner, while bacon is more accessible and affordable.

Pecorino Romano cheese

🥗Healthier: Parmesan cheese

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan offers a similar flavor profile at a lower price.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

black pepper

🥗Healthier: white pepper

💰Cheaper: cayenne pepper

White pepper provides a milder flavor, and cayenne is often less expensive.

Pre-cook the spaghetti noodles and set aside.

Heat a little cooking oil in a non-stick pan to enhance frying the bacon.

Add bacon to the pan and brown it, noting that it will render its own fat.

Add minced garlic to the pan and brown it with the bacon.

Season with a little black pepper and a pinch of salt due to the saltiness of the bacon.

Add sliced mushrooms and dried basil to the mixture.

Incorporate Nestle cream into the sauce, adding water if it becomes too thick.

Add a little chopped parsley and some of the pasta to the sauce.

Plate the dish and garnish with additional parsley and grated cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens