PASTA CARBONARA SANS DAIRY

If someone told me a few months ago that Pasta Carbonara could be made without using dairy products, I would have laughed in their face. Thanks to the amazing Feast SBS food magazine, I can now consume one of my all-time favourite meals without using milk, cream or butter. Did I mention that it is also gluten-free? Traditional spaghetti alla carbonara is made with pork, egg, cheese and black pepper, however I omitted the pork for the lighter ham option. Spaghetti alla carbonara is thought to have been created by the miners in the Apennine mountains who introduced it to Rome. However, another theory is that this dish originated in World War 2 when American servicemen based in Rome had their bacon & eggs rations prepared by local cooks.

INGREDIENTS

• 500g gluten-free pasta 
• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 cup (125ml) dry white wine
• 150 - 175g gluten-free ham, roughly shredded
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten (preferably free-range)
• 1/4 cup pecorino (sheep's cheese), finely grated 

COOKING 

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, with the lid covered. Add pasta to the saucepan and cook, uncovered, for around 8-10 minutes or until pasta is al dente or slightly tender. Save 125ml (1/2 a cup) of the pasta cooking liquid. Drain well, rinsing with cold water. 

2. Meanwhile, heat coconut oil in a large deep frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes or until garlic starts to colour. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and place in a small bowl or plate. Set aside. 

3. Add shredded ham to the pan. Cook, stirring, for 4 minutes or until ham starts to brown. Add white wine to pan and stir for 30 seconds, then remove from heat. 

4. Return pan with the ham to the heat. Add 2 tablespoons pasta cooking liquid and cook for 30 seconds or until heated through. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the remainder of the cooking liquid. Pour the eggs into the pan and toss until ingredients have just combined and the eggs have started to set. Place pasta into four separate bowls, season with sea salt & pepper and drizzle with the pecorino cheese. Sprinkle cooked garlic pieces over pasta. 

Serves / 4 

Total Preparation time / 8 minutes 

Total Cooking time / 20 minutes