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Carbonara (real)

Recipe video above. These days, so many carbonara recipes cheat with cream which is a shame. The traditional method uses raw egg which is mixed vigorously with hot pasta and parmigiana reggiano cheese which transforms into a silky, creamy, luxurious sauce unlike anything you've ever had before. Arguably the best pasta dish in the whole world!This is a pasta that must be eaten straight away to truly experience its magnificence. Serve in warm bowls!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 175g/6 oz guanciale (pancetta or block bacon), weight after skin removed (Note 1)
  • 2 large eggs (Note 2)
  • 2 egg yolks (Note 2)
  • 100g/3.5 oz parmigiano reggiano , finely shredded (or pecorino romano, sub parmesan, Note 3)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 400g/14 oz Spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp cooking/kosher salt (for cooking pasta)
  • 1/2 cup pasta cooking water
  • 1 garlic clove , finely minced (optional, Note 4)
Garnish (optional):
  • parsley , finely chopped
  • parmigiano reggiano

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Guanciale - Cut into 0.5cm / 1/5" thick slices then into batons.
  2. Carbonara sauce - Place eggs and yolks in a large bowl. Whisk to combine. Then stir in the parmesan and pepper.
  3. Cook pasta - Bring 4 litres (4 quarts) of water to the boil with the salt. Add pasta and cook per the packet directions.
  4. Reserve pasta water - Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  5. Cook guanciale - While the pasta is cooking, place guanciale in a non stick pan over medium high heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden. No oil needed - as the guanciale heats up, the fat will melt so it fries in its own fat. If using garlic, add it in the last minute.
  6. Pasta in pan - Tip the hot pasta into the pan and toss to coat in guanciale fat.
  7. Mix pasta in sauce - Transfer the pasta and any residual fat in the pan into the bowl with the egg. Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) pasta cooking water. Stir vigorously using the handle of a wooden spoon for 1 minute and watch as the sauce transforms from watery to creamy and clings to the pasta strands!
  8. Serve - Transfer into warm bowls. Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra parmigiana reggiano if desired, and a pinch of black pepper and finely chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Economical note: Use bacon instead of guanciale and parmesan instead of parmigiano reggiano for a very respectable version of carbonara that will still make Italians proud. Just don't add cream! 😊
  • Economical note:
  • Guanciale is the cured pork traditionally used in carbonara. Sold in block form that you cut yourself, it can be found in Italian/speciality delis, Harris Farms (Syd, Brisbane) and some butchers. It's very fatty and has a stronger flavour than pancetta and bacon. Substitute with block bacon or pancetta (so you can cut batons), or thick pre-sliced bacon. Must use streaky as sauce needs fat to thicken (read in post for why).
  • Eggs - Use large eggs (cartons labelled as such) which are 55-60g / 2oz each. See here for easy ways to use/store leftover egg whites!
  • Parmigiano reggiano is a premium aged type of parmesan. Pecorino is also commonly used. Sub parmesan. Do not use store bough pre-grated as it will not melt properly. Must finely shred it yourself!
  • 100g/3.5oz is one tightly packed cup ie shred, put in a cup and pack it down tightly.
  • Garlic not traditional but it adds extra flavour and I can't resist. Sorry Italy! :)
  • Leftovers will keep for 3 days but pasta really is always best eaten freshly made, in particular for carbonara!