Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

 

Introduction: Spaghetti Carbonara is a beloved Italian pasta dish known for its creamy and indulgent sauce. This recipe offers a simple, authentic, and flavorful preparation that will delight your taste buds. Here's how to create a delicious Classic Spaghetti Carbonara.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (about 340g) of spaghetti
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (about 100g) of grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 cup (about 100g) of grated Parmesan cheese
• 4-6 slices of pancetta or guanciale (about 4 ounces or 115g)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
   • Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.

2. Cook the Pancetta (or Guanciale):

   • While the pasta is cooking, cut the pancetta (or guanciale) into small strips or cubes.
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta (or guanciale) until it becomes crispy and golden. Remove it from the heat and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper (about 1-2 teaspoons, depending on your taste).

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Place the cooked and drained spaghetti in a large serving bowl.
   • Immediately pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce.
   • Toss the pasta and sauce together until it's well combined.

5. Add Pancetta (or Guanciale):

   • Add the crispy pancetta (or guanciale) to the pasta and toss to distribute it evenly.

6. Adjust Consistency:

   • If the pasta appears too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Toss to combine.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the Carbonara with freshly chopped parsley (if desired).
   • Serve immediately, while it's hot and the sauce is creamy.

Pro Tips:

• Use authentic Italian ingredients for the best results, especially Pecorino Romano cheese.
• It's crucial not to cook the egg and cheese mixture over direct heat; the residual heat from the pasta should be sufficient to create a creamy sauce.
• Be generous with black pepper; it's a key flavor in this dish.

Enjoy your homemade Classic Spaghetti Carbonara – a satisfying and decadent Italian delight!