Gluten Free Portobello and Leek Carbonara

"Carbonara" by definition  means a pasta made with eggs, cream and bacon (or ham, but who wants ham when there is bacon?)

This recipe however, does not call for cream! Yay for lactards everywhere! I adapted it from a recipe at Tasty Kitchen.  And you guys, it was off the hook delicious. It's probably the best pasta I have ever made. And, it's super easy!! It was JUST as delicious the next day for lunch! I've never made a carbonara, and it's just not something I would generally order in a restaurant, so I was really really surprised and pleased with how this turned out.

Ingredients:

* 4 - 5 slices of thick cut, local, happy bacon chopped
* 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
* 2 large portobello mushrooms, chopped
* 2 whole free range eggs
* 1/2 cup of Manchego sheeps cheese (or other hard cheese like Parmesan)
* Gluten free spinach brown rice pasta
* Salt n Peppa

GLORIOUS!!!! And soooo tasty. Photo credit: ME.

Directions:

Bring water for pasta to a boil.

Heat a large skillet oven medium heat and add bacon. Cook until fat is rendered and bacon is crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain. Reduce heat to low.

Add in leeks with a pinch of salt, then toss mushrooms on top. Stir everything together to coat, then let cook until ingredients are softened, about 5 minutes. At this time, throw the pasta in the water to cook; it is really important that the pasta is hot. While the pasta is cooking, mix eggs and cheese together in a large bowl. The mixture will be thick.

As soon as pasta is finished, reserve 1/2-3/4 cup of liquid, drain pasta and immediately throw pasta into the skillet. Toss with the leeks and mushrooms to coat, then remove from heat. With a large spoon in one hand, add the egg mixture right on top and immediately begin stirring the pasta together. I usually stir for a good minute or two. At this time if desired, add the pasta water to the skillet to make things a bit more creamy and saucy. Toss in bacon. Taste and season more if desired. Serve immediately with extra cheese!

SO FREAKING GOOD. 

The end.