Springtime delight: Elevating carbonara with asparagus

Fresh asparagus. These crunchy vegetables are a treasure of nature, enabling the creation of many delicious dishes. One notable dish is a spring version of carbonara, which impresses even the most discerning palates.

When asparagus begins to take over the vegetable market, it marks the perfect time for culinary experimentation. I often find myself reaching for them, imagining the interesting dishes that can be crafted. One occasion, the idea for a spring version of carbonara came to mind.

This version of carbonara is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. The ingredients are readily available, and the dish is bursting with aroma and freshness.

Ingredients:

• 200g of spaghetti,
• around 250g of asparagus,
• 150g of grated Parmesan cheese,
• 3 egg yolks,
• a pinch of salt,
• 4 tablespoons of pasta cooking water,
• olive oil (for frying),
• a handful of grated Parmesan cheese (for serving).

Preparation:

1. Rinse the asparagus thoroughly and cut off the hard ends. Chop them into small pieces and sauté in a hot pan with olive oil—season with a pinch of salt to taste.
2. While the asparagus is being sautéed, cook the spaghetti as per the instructions on the package.
3. Add 4 tablespoons of the water used to cook the pasta to the asparagus, along with the cooked and drained spaghetti. Stir well to combine.
4. Blend the egg yolks with the grated Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the yolk and Parmesan mixture over the asparagus and spaghetti in the pan. Stir thoroughly so the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.
6. Finish by serving the asparagus carbonara sprinkled with more freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Tips:

• For an extra kick, sprinkle black pepper over the sauce to enhance its flavour.
• This dish is also delightful served cold, making it an ideal choice for a lunchbox for work or a picnic.
• For a vegan variant, replace the egg yolks with silken tofu and a bit of turmeric for the yellow colour.

Asparagus Carbonara is a delightful and straightforward dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of spring. The crunchy asparagus combined with soft pasta and a creamy sauce make for a unique blend of flavours that will undoubtedly win over any crowd. Give this recipe a try and experience it for yourself!