SPICY CHORIZO CARBONARA WITH FRESH ROCKET

If I had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of my life it would be this spicy chorizo carbonara. Okay, that’s a bit dramatic but it’s seriously good. Think normal carbonara but with a few extra flourishes. You’ve got little pops of spicy, flavourful chorizo, tossed through the ultra-creamy sauce, topped with fresh rocket. Did I mention it comes together in just 20 minutes?

I know that bacon or pancetta is typically used in carbonara, but I felt like doing something a little different. I’ve recently started cooking with chorizo so naturally, I had to experiment with a chorizo carbonara. It’s always astonishing how creamy this sauce is considering there’s not a drop of cream involved. I think there’s a scientific reason for it but I don’t know, just go with it. I’ve also jazzed up this carbonara with some garlic and herbs because why not? It’s definitely not traditional but that’s okay.

The details…

First, you’ll want to boil your pasta and get the spicy chorizo cooking. For the sauce, whisk together eggs, ground black pepper, red chilli flakes, grated parmesan and some herbs of your choice. I used lemon thyme for something a little different but oregano or rosemary would also be nice. Once the pasta is almost cooked the process is pretty quick. Make sure you remove the pasta from the heat right on al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce for a bit. Over-cooked pasta is never a good idea. Add the pasta to the chorizo and garlic along with a splash of the pasta cooking water. It’s very important that you do not drain the water. I just use tongs to transfer the pasta straight into the pan without straining it. The starchiness will help the sauce stick to the noodles.

Turn off the heat and make sure the pan has stopped sizzling before adding the sauce. This is because we don’t want the eggs to scramble. Keep stirring continuously until the sauce emulsifies and goes all smooth and creamy and delicious. If it’s starting to look too thick or isn’t really coming together just add some more pasta water. Finally, top with some rocket for a bit of freshness. Serve straight away for optimal flavour and creaminess.

If it’s quick and easy pasta recipes you’re looking for…

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• 15 Minute Creamy Ramen Carbonara

Let me know in the comments if you give this spicy chorizo carbonara a try!