Penne alla Carrettiera

This unusual pasta dish is a typical Roman dish and literally means Cart Driver's pasta. It consists mainly of Porcini mushrooms, pancetta or bacon and tuna, It is very quick and easy to prepare. It was the first time that we prepared this dish and it turned out so good that we cannot wait to do it again :) It is definitely worth a try as the combination of the ingredients is ever so unique. You will need...

• 300g Penne or Spaghetti
• 100g pancetta or bacon, diced
• 1 large can tuna, drained
• 40g dried porcini mushrooms, soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes
• 1 clove garlic, unpeeled and crushed
• salt & pepper
• Grated Pecorino Romano

1. Put a pan of water for the pasta on the boil.
2. Heat about 2 tbsp of olive oil and add the pancetta or bacon and cook until brown.
3. Add the crushed garlic clove, salt and pepper and add the porcini mushrooms. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the tuna and another 2 tbsp of olive oil and cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove the garlic close.
5. While cooking the sauce, cook the pasta until al dente.
6. When everything is done, toss the pasta in the pan with the sauce and toss gently.
7. Serve with drizzles of olive oil and grated Pecorino Romano.

Enjoy!!

R&A