Classic Carbonara

A classic carbonara is one of the simplest and most delicious pasta dishes you can make. It always amazes me how you can create something that tastes so incredible from just 4 ingredients- pasta, egg, Parmesan + pancetta (and some peas in my version)- and in 12 minutes flat from beginning to end. It’s a winning midweek dinner for all the family and the girls literally inhale it.

Makes enough to feed two small children but just increase as necessary

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75g pasta

1 egg, beaten

2 heaped tbsp finely grated Parmesan

50g pancetta

freshly milled black pepper

2 heaped tbsp peas, fresh or frozen

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Cook the pasta according to instructions. Meanwhile, in a small frying pan cook the pancetta until golden and crisp. Remove from the heat and add the peas. Whisk together the egg and Parmesan in a small bowl and season with black pepper (if your kids like it). Once the pasta is cooked, drain and reserve 1 tbsp cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the pancetta and peas and then add the egg/Parmesan mix. Stir everything together and the sauce should thicken with the residual heat of the pasta. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.