31 Days of Frugal Meals // Day 22 Mushroom and Leek Carbonara

October 22, 2012

Here is another great cheap and almost meatless meal. This can be made even cheaper by using other mushrooms, I tend to just check for what is cheaper. Then again when something is coated in sauce I can't tell a difference in taste. Beef or ground turkey, portobello or cremini? Who really can tell, other than Jeremy. But he is on the look out for healthy food.

I shouldn't even be using the word healthy after tonight though. Somehow I ended up packed into our friends truck on the way to Wendy's to get Frosty's.

November may include a solid 7 days of detox.

Portobello and Leek Carbonara


Here is the original recipe from How Sweet It Is, my changes are in pink:)

[adapted from Tyler Florence]
serves 2-4
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 leeks, trimmed, cleaned and patted dry
12 ounces baby portobello mushrooms, quartered (I am using the cheapest fresh mushrooms I could buy)
1/2 pound whole wheat linguine
2 large eggs
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (the already grated in the bag--cheaper than the block)
Bring water for pasta to a boil.
Heat a large skillet oven medium heat and add bacon. Cook until fat is rendered and bacon is crispy – about 6-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain. Reduce heat to low.
Add in leeks with a pinch of salt, then toss mushrooms on top. Stir everything together to coat, then let cook until ingredients are softened – about 5 minutes. At this time, throw the pasta in the water to cook – it is really important that the pasta is hot. While the pasta is cooking, mix eggs and cheese together in a large bowl. The mixture will be thick.
As soon as pasta is finished, reserve 1/2-3/4 cup liquid, drain pasta and immediately throw into the skillet. Toss with the leeks and mushrooms to coat, then remove from heat. With a large spoon in one hand, add the egg mixture right on top and immediately begin stirring the pasta together. I usually stir for a good minute or two. At this time if desired, add the pasta water to the skillet to make things a bit more creamy and saucy. Toss in bacon. Serve immediately with extra cheese!