Egusi Carbonara

Egusi Carbonara is a fusion dish that combines the rich flavors of Nigerian Egusi soup with the creamy goodness of Italian carbonara. This unique recipe is a delightful twist on two classic dishes, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Egusi Carbonara

Ingredients

  • 1 cup egusi seeds
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a dry skillet, toast the egusi seeds over medium heat until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  5. Stir in the ground egusi seeds and cook for 2-3 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the egusi carbonara sauce.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle the crispy bacon on top before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
10 minutes
Cooking time:
20 minutes
Total time:
30 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450
Carbohydrates
30g
Protein
25g
Fat
28g

Supplies

Skillet Blender or food processor

Tools

Spatula Pasta pot

Serving suggestions

Serve the Egusi Carbonara with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms for a delicious twist on this fusion dish.

Cost

$15