Best Carbonara Beans Recipes

PENNE CARBONARA WITH FAVA BEANS, PEAS AND PECORINO

Steps:

• First, find a willing assistant to help peel the favas. Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add the peeled favas and blanch for about 1 minute, then scoop them out (reserving the water) and put them into a bowl of cold water. Drain and slip them out of their whitish skins to reveal the emerald-green bean.
• Bring the water back to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the penne, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together the egg yolks, pecorino and a little salt and pepper.
• When the pasta is almost done (about 2 minutes less than the time suggested on the package), add the favas and peas to the pot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
• Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Drain the penne and vegetables, and return them to the pot. Add the butter and stir well. Add the egg yolk mixture and chives, tossing gently and adding a few tablespoons of the cooking water to form a silky sauce that clings to the penne. Adjust the seasoning, and serve with a wedge of pecorino for grating.

CARBONARA BEANS

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beans, cover and let cook until the beans are just heated through, about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the beans sit in the hot water while the bacon cooks (you want the beans to be very hot when adding to the egg mixture). Stir the egg yolks and Parmesan in a medium bowl until no lumps remain; set aside.
• Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until softened and very fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat and return the skillet to the stovetop. Reserve 1 cup of the bean water, drain the beans and then add them to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, to coat with the bacon fat, about 1 minute.
• Ladle 1/2 cup of the reserved bean water into the egg mixture, whisking constantly so the eggs do not cook but are heated. Pour into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted, the sauce begins to thicken and the beans are evenly coated, about 1 minute (if the beans look dry, add more bean water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency has been reached). Fold in the parsley and season with a generous amount of pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with more Parmesan and parsley.