Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy sauce and savory flavors. Here's a delicious and authentic recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara:
Ingredients:- 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
- 4 ounces (113g) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned. Remove the cooked pancetta from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
4. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
5. While the pasta is still hot, return it to the pot. Immediately pour the beaten egg mixture over the hot pasta, tossing quickly to coat the strands. The heat of the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Add the cooked pancetta or bacon and the sautéed garlic from the skillet to the pasta. Toss again to distribute the ingredients evenly.
7. Taste and season the carbonara with salt if needed, keeping in mind that the pancetta or bacon and the grated cheeses already contain salt.
8. Serve the carbonara immediately, garnished with freshly ground black pepper and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Enjoy the rich and indulgent flavors of this classic Spaghetti Carbonara! Remember to work quickly once you add the egg mixture to the hot pasta to prevent the eggs from scrambling.