Carbonara with Horseradish & Peas
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Carbonara with Horseradish & Peas

"Carbonara is John's favorite meal, but I get bored making plain bacon-and-egg spaghetti. In this fresh (and spicy!) twist on the dish, I add peas and horseradish." —Rach

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp. EVOO

  • ⅓ lb. meaty bacon or meaty smoked pancetta, finely chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped or sliced

  • 1 cup chopped ramps (whites finely chopped; greens cut into 1-inch pieces), or 1 leek, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced crosswise

  • ½ cup dry white wine

  • 1 cup shelled fresh peas

  • Salt

  • 1 lb. spaghetti or bucatini

  • 5 egg yolks

  • 3 tbsp. freshly grated horseradish root, plus more for serving

  • 1 tbsp. grainy mustard

  • 2 tsp. lemon zest, plus more for garnish

  • 1 cup each (lightly packed) Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving

  • 1 cup (combined) pea shoots and shaved baby radishes, for serving

Preparation

Instructions Checklist

  • Step 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. 

  • Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the EVOO, three turns of the pan. Add the bacon and cook until the fat renders, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ramp whites; toss until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and peas; cook until the peas are warm and the wine is mostly absorbed. Reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm.

  • Step 3

    Salt the water, add the pasta, and cook 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, then drain the pasta. Toss the pasta with the sauce and ramp greens.

  • Step 4

    In a medium bowl, whisk the yolks, horseradish, mustard, 2 tsp. lemon zest, and 1 cup of each of the cheeses. Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup hot pasta cooking water to temper the eggs. Add the egg mixture to the pasta. Off heat, toss until the pasta is coated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of pasta water, if needed, tossing to coat. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl.

  • Step 5

    Top with the pea shoots, radishes, and more lemon zest. Pass more grated horseradish and cheese at the table for topping. 

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