Saturday, August 24, 2013

Recipe: Mushroom and bacon pasta with fresh basil and quail egg

When you buy quail's egg in Malaysia, you have to get them in a box of 20s. However, we try not to eat too many at one time, since they're said to be quite high in cholesterol so we ration it to 2-3 a day.

Quail eggs are said to be an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12 and vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorus and other essential micro-nutrients, minerals and amino acids, and are considered to be one of the best known natural treatment products.   I found an interesting fact while I was reading up on quail's egg - the best way to eat them as part of a healthy diet is to eat them raw. I am just curious, how many of you actually eat quail's egg this way?

Mushroom and bacon pasta with fresh basil and quail egg


For those who do not like the idea of eating them raw, there are many ways you can cook quail's egg. Fry them, hard boil them or use them like I did in this mushroom and bacon pasta with fresh basil. This is a take on my spaghetti carbonara recipe, whereby instead of hen's egg, I used quail's egg and at the same time I omitted the cream for a healthier version.



Mix the quail's egg in while the pasta is still hot, and the residual heat will cook the egg slightly, while coating the pasta for a silky, creamy effect. Tear some fresh basil leaves as well for some colour and extra flavour. If you like, you can also top it with some freshly grated cheese.


Scrumptious!




Mushroom and bacon pasta with fresh basil and quail egg
Recipe by Baby Sumo
Preparation time: 2-3 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients
200g spaghetti pasta
100g grey oyster mushrooms, sliced thinly
4 rashers streaky bacon, sliced
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
8-10 fresh basil leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Truffle oil (optional)

2 quail egg


1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to pack instructions (al dente should take about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and drain, run under cold water to stop from cooking further.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in frying pan on medium high heat. Add bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Then, add remaining olive oil, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the mushrooms and fry for 1-2 minutes until cooked.

3. Finally add the pasta, and mix thoroughly for about 1 minute, and then season with salt and pepper.

4. Using a two-pronged carving fork, swirl some of the pasta around the fork. Slide the pasta off the fork and mound it in the center of a plate. Repeat for each serving. Break a quail's egg and place on top of the pasta (in the centre). Garnish with some freshly torn basil leaves.

5.  Serve immediately. Add a dash of truffle oil to finish.

Note: You can use up to 2 quail egg per plate, if you prefer a richer dish.




*I am submitting this to the Little Thumbs Up "Egg" event organized by Bake for Happy Kids, my little favourite DIY and hosted by me (Baby Sumo of Eat Your Heart Out). You can link your egg recipes here.


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12 comments:

  1. wow.. NICELY DONE PASTA using quail egg.. hahaha! So thoughful of u .. Though it's high in cholesterol, but eat it once in a while is okay la..

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  2. yums, two quail eggs for me please! what a great recipe, and relatively light too compared to all the cloying carbonaras out there :D

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  3. I love quails eggs but have not tried it raw:) This is a lovely pasta dish. Give your two little ones a big bear hugs for me and tell them Aunty Quay Po is yet to meet them. Have a nice Sunday my dear.

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  4. Nicely presented and such a lovely recipe

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  5. Aha! No wonder they are so tasty! They're high in cholesterol :P All the good stuff is. This pasta looks really easy but impressive! :D

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  6. Your pasta looks sooooo delicious. If I show it to my family, sure they will FORCE me to cook for them.

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  7. Hi Yen, the cholesterol thing about quail eggs is not true! At least, I dun believe it! :D

    This is really a light and simple pasta! Perfect for lunch!

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  8. This quail egg pasta with mushrooms look so good!

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  9. Hi Yen, this looks scrumptious! Love that you made it a healthier version by omitting the cream! Yum!!

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  10. Yen, didn't realise that these tiny quail eggs are high in cholesterol. Anyway, I haven't had them since I move to Sydney. I love your version of the bacon & mushroom pasta.

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  11. Yen, I love quails eggs! But not raw :) Your pasta looks very tasty!

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  12. Hi Yen,

    Two quail eggs for me, please! I'm trying on weight lately for my training and I'm happy to indulge in richer pasta :D

    Zoe

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