Uni Carbonara
Pasta is definitely one of our favourite fall staples. And what better way to enjoy the traditional Spaghetti Carbonara than with our BC Red Uni while it's in season? Check out this must-try recipe Spaghetti Carbonara with BC Red Sea Urchin and Pancetta (serves 2), created by our very own Dez Lo, Executive Chef at FISH.
Ingredients:
100 g Fresh or Frozen Red Sea Urchin Roes
Note: If the sea urchin is frozen, fully thaw before cooking. Set side 40 g for sauce and the rest as garnish)
2 tbs + 1 tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
75 g diced or sliced pancetta or smoked bacon
10 g chopped garlic
2 eggs (beaten)
50 g grated Pecorino Romano
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Salt to taste and to season pasta water
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Directions:
1. In a large to medium pot, bring water to a boil with a few pinch of salt to season the water. Cook pasta of your choice (dried pasta 8-10 minutes / fresh pasta 2-3 minutes). Once the pasta is cooked, transfer them into a bowl and drizzle a little EVOO to prevent them from sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and keep warm.
2. Combine beaten egg, grated cheese and 40 g red uni roes in a bowl, mix well and set aside.
3. Heat a medium size non-stick pan or a skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp EVOO, add pancetta or bacon and slowly render the fat until brown and crispy.
4. Add the chopped garlic and cook until golden brown (about 2 minutes & do not walk away as the garlic will burn easily and become bitter). Meanwhile, have the reserved cooked pasta, the egg mixture and pasta water ready and next to you as you will have to work quickly once you add them into the pan.
5. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the pasta and 1/2 of the reserved pasta water. Use a pair of tongs and swirl the pasta and the water to emulsify with the bacon fat. When you see the water start to bubble again, turn off the heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture.
6. Gently toss the pasta as the remaining heat is now cooking the egg mixture without making scrambled eggs. If necessary, add more pasta water until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
7. Add the chopped parsley and season with fresh black pepper (generously) and salt.
8. Garnish with the remaining sea urchin roes, some whole parsley leaves, more grated cheese and dig in!
