Pasta Carbonara with Shitake Bacon

By blum099

Serves 4 to 6
As if carbonara isn’t lovable enough for having the word “carb” in it, here’s another reason to make it your favorite pasta. The creamy, indulgent sauce is made from healthy, high-protein tofu, but it tastes like it has all sorts of dairy products in it. Top it with shiitake bacon (simply thinly sliced roasted shiitake mushrooms with olive oil and sea salt) and it’s the perfect bait for your long-term mate!

NOTE: If sauce thickens too much as it sits, reconstitute the pasta by adding a little water or nondairy milk. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Adjust seasoning again to taste.

Ingredients

• SHIIITAKE BACON
• 1 pound shiitake mushrooms,
• trimmed and thinly sliced
• (about 1/4 inch thick)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• PASTA CARBONARA
• 1 pound long pasta
• (spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine)
• (or gluten-free pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 ounces soft tofu
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish
• Parmesan Topping (page 244 in book - optional)

Details

Adapted from chefchloe.com

Preparation

Step 1

For the shiitake bacon:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.

On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss mushrooms with oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for about 30 minutes, turning frequently
with a spatula, until lightly browned and crisp.

For the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and let cook until soft. Add garlic and let cook a few more minutes. Remove from heat.

In a blender, combine onion, garlic, tofu, water, lemon juice, and salt. Process on high until very smooth, about 2 minutes.

Add sauce to pasta and toss to coat. Season with pepper and add more salt to taste. Let pasta sit for about 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly. Top with shiitake bacon,
parsley, Parmesan topping, if using, and serve.