April 24, 2015
by Jason Ford
Ford on Food
Bacon is the main reason why I’ve never become a vegetarian.
I think bacon is one of the most extraordinarily delicious foods known to humankind.
Although I’d agree that bacon goes with just about everything, I wouldn’t recommend eating it to excess as it contains a large amount of sodium and fat.
Bacon is made from various cuts of pork (generally the belly) which is cured in a liquid brine or dry salt packed.
Then it is commonly infused and showered with liquid smoke, then baked.
The more traditional bacon is cooked in a smoking oven or boiled.
Bacon is often firmed up by refrigeration for various periods of time, so it can be thinly sliced into rashers before packaging.
Mass-produced bacon is often heavily processed and contains considerable amounts of artificial flavourings and preservatives. such as sodium nitrite.
For a more traditional and less processed version of bacon, it pays to know your local butcher, many of whom will produce their own home-made bacon.
There are also many boutique smokehouses that specialise in niche charcuterie products, such as richly double or triple smoked bacon.
Some of the best smoked bacon rashers I ever had was bacon produced by the local butcher.
Typically, the consumer will cook the bacon rashes before eating it. It can be fried, grilled, baked or boiled and adds a delicious savoury flavour profile when used as an ingredient in recipes, such as soups.
So if you’re not a vegetarian, see what your local butcher has on offer and bring home the bacon!
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Easy Carbonara
Ingredients:
- 500g pasta
- 100g chopped ham
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Method:
- Cook the ham in a fry pan until crisp; remove from pan and drain on paper towels; set the ham aside
- Cook the pasta as directed on package
- Meanwhile, combine the egg yolks, cream, and garlic in a medium bowl and beat until well blended
- When the pasta is cooked, drain and immediately return to the pot
- Stir in the egg mixture and toss thoroughly until combined
- Add the bacon and cheese and toss again to coat; season if required
Serves 4.
