Recipe: Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

 

Ingredients:

• 350g spaghetti
• 150g pancetta or bacon, diced
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

   • Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, return it to the pot. Immediately add the cooked pancetta or bacon and garlic mixture to the pot with the spaghetti. Toss to combine, allowing the residual heat to slightly cook the garlic.

5. Add the Egg Mixture:

   • Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti while it's still hot. Quickly toss the spaghetti with the egg mixture until the pasta is evenly coated. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce.

6. Adjust the Consistency:

   • If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much water, as you want the sauce to remain creamy and rich.

7. Season and Serve:

   • Taste the spaghetti carbonara and season with salt, if needed, keeping in mind that the pancetta or bacon and Parmesan cheese are already salty. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional black pepper, if desired.

8. Serve Immediately:

   • Divide the spaghetti carbonara among serving plates and serve immediately while it's still hot and creamy. Enjoy this classic Italian pasta dish with crusty bread and a simple green salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.

9. Optional Variation:

   • For a traditional Roman-style spaghetti carbonara, you can omit the garlic and instead use only pancetta or bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through.