Thursday, April 26, 2012

Back in the Kitchen


How do you have the most perfect day?  Well for starters you don't work.  Next, you watch foodie shows until you see a recipe that completely turns you on. You head to the nicest grocery store you can think of to get the ingredients.  Finally you make said recipe.


I didn't go into the office on Wednesday after working all weekend and then doing a quick (just kidding) day trip to Ithaca, NY. Yes, that would be an eleven hour car ride to and from.  Did I mention the snow?  Yes, that was frightening to see on April 24th. It wasn't completely a day off but I got to do a lot of errands and fun activities.  I am telling you being at home is way more productive than going into the office.


I started the day at the gym and was able to catch of few of my favorite morning news and talk shows.  One of them featured Mark Bittman who was showcasing Spring pasta dishes.  It took about 2 seconds for me to be sold.


This recipe was Spring due to the leeks.  Lots and lots of leeks. I fried up the bacon and then very healthily cooked the leeks in the bacon fat.


Once the spaghetti is cooked and the leeks are soft you make four little holes in the leeks and crack some eggs.  The cooked spaghetti gets piled on top.


You stir it all up and you have a new version of carbonara.  It was good, really really good. If you want to go a bit more healthy since the way I put this dish together really isn't you can leave out the bacon or at least don't use the bacon fat and add peas.  As I detest peas this will never be an option for me but for you veggie folks it could be a good idea.


Top the dish off with a bit of cheese and it is done. I thought it was very flavorful and fancy considering the very minimal effort that goes into putting it together. I hope you enjoy it.



Spaghetti With Leeks, Bacon and Eggs

by Mark Bittman
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes



Ingredients (serves 4)
  • 8 ounces cooked spaghetti
  • 4 ounces chopped bacon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 chopped, cleaned leeks
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • chopped parsley
Instructions
Cook 4 ounces chopped pancetta or good bacon in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon.

Add 3 chopped, cleaned leeks (about 1 pound) to the pan and cook until soft, golden and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes.
Make four wells in the cooked leeks, add a little olive oil to each, and crack 4 eggs into the wells. Fry until the whites are barely set.

Toss with spaghetti, the bacon and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Garnish with chopped parsley.
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17 comments:

  1. No work, foodie tv, and this dish sound like a perfect day to me too! :-)

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  2. I know what you mean! I love watching on DVR so I can skip all the commercials and stuff I would never make in a million years and then pause when I hit the "I'm making that now" moment.

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  3. A day off from work in the middle of the week can be very relaxing. A peaceful day creating in the kitchen and not being rushed can be the best way to spend your time. Your pasta dish does look like a tasty light meal. I can see why you were inspired to make it-yum!

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  4. So simple, so easy, and sooo delicious-sounding! :) Glad to have discovered your blog! :)

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  5. Yum! I love leeks, but never had them with spaghetti - looks perfectly delicious!

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    1. I haven't used leeks in years so it was fun to try something new.

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  6. Oh my, I want some so bad! I do love leeks. They must be incredible in a carbonara-like dish.

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  7. Leeks and spaghetti, YUM! Love how simple it is to put together. :)

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  8. Nothing fancy but so delicious. I always love pasta because it so simple to prepare and lots of ingredients can be added to it.

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  9. MMM!!! This looks soooo good!! Totally having a craving for this new carbonara! I love the addition of the leeks, I don't mind peas but I'd leave them out also. Wow, seriously, I'm going to be thinking about this pasta all day now! Great recipe!!
    -Lacy @ NYCityEats.com

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  10. Glad you took a day off, Emily!! My family loves carbonara...and I'd definitely add the peas :)

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  11. Sounds like a good day off. I love a comfortiing dish like this. I'dd add the peas...can we still be friends?

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  12. Yum! I love spaghetti, this looks so good!

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