Description
Halloumi Carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara, but make it meatless! Swapping the bacon for halloumi brings a savory, creamy twist to this classic dish. Perfect for a quick and comforting Meatless Monday meal, it only takes 20 minutes to prepare. With crispy, golden halloumi and freshly grated parmesan mixed with egg, this dish has all the flavors you crave, without the meat!
200g dried spaghetti
150g halloumi cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
1 egg
ΒΌ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper
Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to packet instructions, seasoned with salt.
2. Whisk together egg and parmesan.
3. Fry halloumi and garlic in olive oil until golden.
4. Add cooked pasta, pasta water, and mix with egg mixture off heat.
5. Serve with extra parmesan and black pepper.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Kcal: 464
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Grate the parmesan, cube the halloumi, and finely mince the garlic. Whisk the egg and grated parmesan in a small bowl until fully combined. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
3. Crisp the Halloumi: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halloumi cubes and fry for 2-3 minutes without moving to get a golden crust. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until the halloumi is golden brown all over. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Everything: Add the hot, drained pasta directly to the skillet with the halloumi. Quickly toss to combine. Working off the heat (this is crucial to prevent scrambling the eggs), pour in the egg and parmesan mixture. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss vigorously until the sauce becomes creamy and coats every strand of spaghetti.
5. Final Seasoning: Season generously with black pepper. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with extra freshly grated parmesan cheese and a final crack of black pepper. A simple side salad of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped flat-leaf parsley or chives.
How-to Summary
Cook spaghetti al dente. Whisk egg and parmesan. Pan-fry halloumi cubes with garlic until golden. Combine hot pasta with halloumi off the heat. Stir in the egg mixture and reserved pasta water to create a creamy, silky sauce. Season and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta? Yes. Fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini all work well. The key is using a shape that holds the creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling? Always remove the pan from the heat before adding the egg mixture. The residual heat from the pasta and pan is enough to cook the eggs into a sauce.
Is there a substitute for halloumi? For a similar salty, fry-able texture, try extra-firm tofu that has been pressed and cubed. For a different flavor, fried mushrooms can add a savory, umami element.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? No, carbonara is best served immediately. The sauce can become thick and gummy if it sits.
Why is pasta water important? The starchy pasta water is the secret to a silky, restaurant-quality sauce. It helps emulsify the cheese and egg, creating a creamy consistency without cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding the egg mixture while the pan is still on the heat, which causes scrambled eggs.
- Not reserving pasta water before draining, resulting in a dry, clumpy sauce.
- Overcooking the halloumi, which can make it rubbery instead of crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Using pre-grated parmesan from a canister, which doesn’t melt as well into the sauce as freshly grated cheese.
Conclusion
This Halloumi Carbonara is a brilliant and satisfying twist on a classic. It proves that a meatless pasta can be just as rich, savory, and comforting as the original. In just 20 minutes, you get a gourmet-quality meal with crispy halloumi and a luxuriously creamy sauce. It’s the perfect recipe to change up your weeknight dinner routine and impress with minimal effort.