Pasta Carbonara (with Shrimp)

Let me first gulp my saliva before I start describing this creamy Carbonara dish :) Very much Italian and loved by everyone around the world. Easy to make and one can get this on the dining table in no time. Authentically it calls for pieces of bacon strips and veggies (of your choice), but I made it with shrimp. Gotta give a twist with whatever you have at hand, right? :)

Pasta is generally eaten with nutrient-dense food partners, such as fiber-filled vegetables and beans, heart healthy fish and monounsaturated oils, antioxidant-rich tomato sauce and protein-packed cheeses, poultry and lean meats. I like Italian but not a very big fan, especially when it comes to tomato base and sauces. I will take cheese sauces any darn day. I think my favorite so far is mushroom ravioli from Macaroni Grill. It is just so super yum! Well, I don't want to divert the topic from my Carbonara today :)

So, first time I watched the making of Pasta Carbonara was on TV by Giada or Rachel (I don't quite remember), then I tasted it at Olive Garden and liked it. Later I had it at Vapianos and loved it even better (sorry olive garden folks :)). After that I had to make it at home. Checked my recipe books, it didn't get me excited. Finally I came across Pioneer Woman's Carbonara recipe and there bang!! she got my juices flowing and I made it with the shrimp (of course)!! And it did not disappoint me. Loved it! I ain't changing anything from the main sauce. It's awesome! It is one of my regular pasta dish that my kid looks forward to eat :)

Let us take a look at the Pasta Carbonara recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (I made with spaghetti, you can use any variety )
• 1/2 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 whole eggs
• 3/4 cups finely grated parmesan
• 3/4 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp pepper powder
• salt as per taste
• 1/2 cup peas - optional
• few cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Preparation:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. 
• While the pasta is cooking, 
• Sprinkle salt and pepper on shrimp and shallow fry the it in a pan for just a couple of minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. 
• Return the pan to the stove over medium-low heat and throw in the onions and garlic. Cook until golden brown. Set aside. 
• In a bowl, mix together eggs, parmesan, heavy cream, salt and pepper until smooth. 
• When the pasta is done, reserve a cup or two of the pasta water. 
• Drain the pasta and place it in a bowl. While the pasta is still really hot, slowly drizzle in the egg mixture, stirring the pasta the whole time. The sauce will become thick and should coat the pasta. Splash in a little hot pasta water if needed for consistency.
• Halfway through, add sauteed shrimp, add the peas(if using), add tomatoes (if using) and sauteed onion/garlic. Finish adding the sauce, stirring until it's all combined. 
• Serve immediately with garnish of extra grated parmesan and parsley.

njoy!! happY cookinG!!

Health Benefits: Pasta provides beneficial carbohydrates and fibre that our body needs. Both white and whole-wheat pastas serve as excellent sources of selenium, a mineral that activates antioxidant enzymes tasked with protecting your cells from molecular damage. Pasta also contains manganese, a mineral that helps you metabolize carbohydrates and regulate your blood sugar. Eat white pasta as a source of folate or vitamin B-9 or opt for whole-wheat pasta as a source of the carotenoids lutein. Pasta is a perfect foundation for healthy, nutritious and satisfying meals.

Shrimp Fry (Coastal style)

Whenever I see these giant fresh raw shrimp I simply can't wait to cook and eat it.  I am always looking out for raw ones than the precooked shrimp, for the simple reason that it is very juicy and tasty. Frying or grilling is the best way to have these exotic shrimp. Personally, I like it slathered in spices and grilled. The best way to enjoy it is with a chill beer or wine :)

SHRIMP FRY

I have these cozy nostalgic memories associated with seafood. Having enjoyed fresh seafood when on vacation to my grandma's house, or relatives house the taste of freshness and spices is so fresh on my mind. I try to bring it back, every time there is a sizzle on my griddle I have a smile on my face :)

Thankfully, everyone in my house is a seafood lover and we enjoy it as a family. Frying these takes just minutes and you can have it with your meals or enjoy it as appetizers.

Let us check the recipe:
Ingredients:
10-12 big raw shrimp
oil to fry
1/2 cup semolina (rava) OR rice flour
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/4th tsp turmeric powder
little salt as per taste

Marination:
A> 5-6 red dry chillies
     2 garlic pod
     1/2 inch ginger
     1/4th tsp turmeric (haldi)
     salt as per taste
     2-3 1inch piece of tamarind (to bring the tanginess)

OR

B> 2 tsp chilli powder (adjust according to your spice level)
     1/4th tsp turmeric (haldi)
     1/4th-1/2 tsp tamarind pulp (depends on the tanginess)
     salt as per taste
     1/2 tsp ginger garlic paste ( or less)

Preparation:

• Clean the shrimp, wash and pat dry.  
• Now make the marination paste using all ingredients under the bullet point A. (freshly made paste/masala is always better :)) or mix all the ingredients under bullet point B. 
• Slather the paste to Shrimp and let it sit for an hour or so. 
• In the meantime prepare semolina or rice flour mixture by adding chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well and keep aside.
• Heat a tawa or griddle and add some oil. 
• Take a shrimp roll it in the semolina mixture and place on the frying tawa or griddle. It should make a sizzling sound. Reduce the flame to medium. 
• Repeat the process for the rest of the shrimp. Drizzle some oil over the shrimp. Now cook for about 3 minutes. Flip over and add little more oil and let it cook till done. *
• Your fried Shrimp are ready to be devoured. You can have it with your favorite chutney, or some red onions. You can also squeeze in lime juice if you want. 
  

note:* Do not overcook the shrimp, else it will harden. If you want it nice and juicy just cook till done, you can see it plumps up and curls.
Also, be careful while cleaning the shrimp if you are using raw shrimp. You can watch youtube videos if need be.

Quantity shown is just for the picture. Pre-prep!

Marination in place!

Final grilled product!

njoY!! happY cookinG!!

Health Benefits: 

Did you know Shrimp is a carb free food? Yes, it is and is loaded with vitamins and minerals along with protein. Shrimp contains astaxanthin, a carotenoid that gives them their pink color and that can act as a potent antioxidant and protect the skin from premature aging. Shrimp are loaded with selenium. Several population studies suggest that the risk of death from cancer, including lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is lower among people with a higher intake of the trace mineral selenium. Shrimp does have some level of cholesterol and it gets its bad reputation because people like to eat mainly deep fried shrimp or they consume it by dipping in butter :) Eat healthy and in small portions to get the maximum benefits!