Cooking with cannabis : Cannabis Infused Pasta Carbonara

Cannabis and food have always gone hand in hand and with the increasing legalization of marijuana, it's now easier than ever to include weed in your cooking. From classic homemade pot brownies or edibles to infused honey, there are plenty of options to choose from, but if you're looking to elevate your game and try a main dish full of flavor, we've got just the recipe for you.

When cooking with cannabis, the most commonly used cannabinoid is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), as it is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. However, other cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) can also be used in cooking, and can offer a range of potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.

When choosing which cannabinoid to cook with, it's important to consider your personal needs and preferences, as well as any legal restrictions in your area. In many regions, THC is still illegal or heavily regulated, and it may be more difficult to obtain or use in cooking. On the other hand, CBD is often easier to obtain and legal in many regions, making it a popular choice for those looking to add cannabis to their cooking without the psychoactive effects.

Regardless of which cannabinoid you choose to cook with, it's important to carefully measure and monitor your dosage to ensure that your finished dish has the desired potency and effects. As with any form of cannabis use, it's always a good idea to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, paying close attention to your own tolerance levels and any potential side effects.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's go over some important tips for cooking with cannabis.

Decarboxylate your weed:

Decarboxylation is a vital aspect of cooking with cannabis and is the process of converting the inactive form of THC, THCA, into its active form, THC. This conversion is necessary for the psychoactive effects of marijuana to take place when ingested. To decarboxylate your weed, you need to heat it to a temperature of 220-230°F for a certain period of time, usually between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

There are several methods to decarboxylate your weed, including baking in an oven, using a slow cooker, or using a specialized decarboxylation machine. If using an oven, it's important to spread your weed out in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake it in a preheated oven at 220°F for 30-40 minutes. If using a slow cooker, add your weed to the pot, cover it with water, and let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours.

Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to keep an eye on the temperature and time to ensure that your weed is decarboxylated correctly. Decarboxylating your weed correctly is crucial to ensure that your finished dish is potent and has the desired effect.

Use a high-fat ingredient:

When it comes to cooking with cannabis, it's crucial to understand the importance of using a high-fat ingredient. This is because THC, the compound that causes the psychoactive effects of marijuana, is fat-soluble. This means that it needs to be mixed with a high-fat ingredient in order to be effectively absorbed by the body when ingested.

Some of the most popular high-fat ingredients used in cannabis cooking include butter, oil, and milk. Butter is a popular choice because it's easy to use, has a long shelf life, and can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes. Oil is another option, and there are a variety of oils to choose from, including olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil, each with their own unique flavor and properties. Milk is also an option, but it's important to keep in mind that it can affect the flavor of your dish.

Experiment with dosing:

When it comes to dosing, it's crucial to start with a low amount and gradually increase as needed, taking into account your own tolerance levels. A good rule of thumb is to start with 1 gram of cannabis per 1 cup of high-fat ingredient.

Keep it low and slow:

When cooking with cannabis, it's crucial to remember the importance of keeping the temperature low and slow. This is because THC, the compound that causes the psychoactive effects of marijuana, is sensitive to high temperatures and can be easily burned off if the temperature is too high. To preserve the THC and ensure that it's effectively absorbed when ingested, it's essential to cook at a temperature below 350°F.

Cooking at a lower temperature also allows for a longer cooking time, which helps to evenly distribute the THC and ensure that the finished dish is well-infused. Additionally, cooking at a low temperature helps to preserve the flavor and aroma of the cannabis, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to your dish.

When cooking with cannabis, it's important to be patient and not rush the process. Taking the time to cook low and slow not only helps to preserve the THC, but also ensures that your finished dish is of the highest quality and has the desired potency. So, whether you're making a main dish or a dessert, it's important to keep the temperature low and slow to ensure that your cannabis-infused creations are both delicious and effective.

And now, without further ado, here's a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for a Cannabis Infused Pasta Carbonara. This recipe may be on your wellness recipe guide but believe us it will be worth the calories. Get your favourite strain, your apron and saucepan ready and get ready for some infusion magic!

Cannabis-Infused Pasta Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 1 gram of ground cannabis
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1/2 pound spaghetti
• Salt and pepper to taste
• garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F. Spread the ground cannabis on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cannabis is fragrant and lightly toasted.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cream. Set aside.
3. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
4. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the bacon and cook until crispy.
5. Once the spaghetti is done, drain it and add it to the skillet with the bacon.
6. Add the toasted cannabis and the egg yolk mixture to the skillet and toss to combine.
7. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated.
8. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper if desired. 

Remember, it's important to use caution when cooking with cannabis and to pay attention to your own tolerance levels. And with Stori's innovative storage system, you can keep your cannabis organized, fresh, and easily accessible when you need it.