This was and still is The Neitzel Siblings favorite dish their Momma whirled up.
Momma Torry Tornado's Spaghetti Carbonara
Why it's on our list
On Episode 40, The youngest Neitzel child, Jonathan, is quick to state that his favorite recipe Momma Torry makes is her Carbonara. Now a chef at Dallas' famed Italian restaurant, Barsotti's, Jonathan still prefers the Tornado's version of this dish over any other. Like so many Momma recipes, Momma Torry said that she makes it up as she cooks but she was finally able to track down the OG. 3x5 which she printed out for Whitney and signed the piece of paper in pink with a heard "for Breast Cancer awareness month."
While traditional carbonaras might be made with just bacon, in true Tornado fashion, she has to go above and beyond by using bacon and diced ham giving this dish an extra umami. The combination of the eggs and parmesan create a luscious sauce that is as comforting as it gets from a Momma's dish.
Ingredients
1/4 lb bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves grated garlic
2 cups ham pieces
1 pkg 8 oz spaghetti cooked
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 eggs beaten
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives (optional)
2 pimentos sliced (optional)
Directions
In a large pan, fry bacon until cooked and crispy. Remove bacon and reserve grease for other use.
Add oil, butter, garlic and ham to pan and sauté
Add cooked spaghetti, bacon, cheese, salt & pepper. Stir to combine
Turn off heat. Pour in beaten eggs and toss well
*Optional - add olives and pimentos and toss to combine
Decorate with parsley and serve!
Serve it up!
What was your favorite pasta that Momma made? Send us a note!