British asparagus, pancetta and lemon linguine

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Serves: 4

 

You’ll need

 

250g pancetta cubetti

1 bundle (approx. 250g) British asparagus, cut into small pieces on an angle

350g dried linguine

200ml double cream

200ml half fat crème fraiche

2 large free-range egg yolks

35g Parmesan cheese, holding some back to grate on top

zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

What to do

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet, but cook it for a minute or two less so it’s a little underdone.

Heat a medium sized frying pan on the hob and add the pancetta. You will not need oil in the pan as the pancetta will have enough fat in it to cook in. Fry the pancetta for 4-5 minutes on a medium heat until they have become golden and crisp. Add the British asparagus to the pan and fry for 2 minutes or until it has begun to soften.

Meanwhile mix together the double cream, crème fraiche, egg yolks, parmesan, lemon zest, salt and pepper.

Drain the cooked pasta, leaving a few tablespoons of water in the bottom of the pan. Return the pan to a low heat and pour in the sauce and the pancetta and British asparagus mixture.

Toss the pasta in the sauce, giving it all a good mix round until it’s evenly incorporated. Serve with a good grating of parmesan and black pepper.