As a first generation American Muslim, it is easy to feel like you are in limbo. Your immigrant parents try to recreate life as they knew it “back home”, when in reality, the United States is home for you. Your parents may not understand why you yearn to try things like meatloaf, spaghetti, or macaroni and cheese. They yearn for things like kunefah, baklava, biryani, or any other special dish that they grew up with.
One thing I know my parents and inlaws will never understand is the Muslim American fascination with halal “bacon.” To be honest with you, I personally shunned pork so much that even the smell can make me feel sick!
However, my revert friend Sherry made no bones about how much she missed bacon once she became Muslim. She invited me over to try a “halal” BLT at her “halal” party replete with BLTs, s’mores, and Rice Krispies treats. Once I tried her BLT, I had to admit, it was delicious! After that experience with halal beef bacon, I started to think about how many recipes that called for bacon that I would love to try out.
The top of my list? A creamy, dreamy, halal pasta carbonara! With it’s cream, cheese, bacon, and pasta, it is a decadent dish that sticks to your ribs. Make it on days that you feel like a meal that warms your insides with comfort.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (I prefer spaghetti..I used Shiratake Tofu Spaghetti because I don’t do well with carbs)
8 pieces Midamar’s Breakfast Beef (diced Small)
1/2 whole Medium Onion, Diced Small
2 cloves Garlic, Minced
3 whole Eggs
3/4 cups Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
3/4 cups Heavy Cream
Salt & Plenty Of Black Pepper
1/2 cup Peas
1) Cook pasta according to package directions.
2) While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon until just barely crisp.
3) Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Pour off all of the bacon grease, but don’t clean the pan.
4) Return the pan to the stove over medium-low heat and throw in the onions and garlic. Cook until golden brown. Set aside.
5) In a bowl, mix together eggs, Parmesan, cream, and salt and pepper until smooth.
5) When the pasta is done, reserve a cup or two of the pasta water.
6) Drain the pasta and place it in a bowl.
7) 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 you see the that the mixture is too thick.
8) Halfway through, add the peas, bacon, and sauteed onion/garlic.
9) Finish adding the sauce, stirring until it’s all combined.
10) Serve right away and enjoy!
