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Carbonara

Heavenly Carbonara: Traditional Italian Delight in 15 Minutes

This authentic Carbonara recipe showcases egg and cheese in a creamy sauce using simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 150 grams Guanciale Swap with pancetta or thick-cut bacon if guanciale isn't available.
  • 2 Large Eggs Use two whole eggs and two yolks for the perfect richness.
  • 100 grams Parmigiano Reggiano Avoid pre-grated cheese for the best melting result.
For the Pasta
  • 400 grams Spaghetti Traditional pasta choice for carbonara; can replace with any long pasta.
  • 4 liters Cooking Salt Used to season the boiling pasta water.
  • 1 cup Pasta Cooking Water Reserve some to adjust sauce consistency.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground is highly recommended for best flavor.
  • Garlic Optional; finely minced according to your taste preference.

Equipment

  • Large frying pan
  • large bowl
  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara
  1. Start by slicing the guanciale into 0.5 cm thick batons. Fry in a pan over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Whisk together the two whole eggs, two egg yolks, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano in a large bowl. Add freshly ground black pepper to create the sauce.
  3. Boil 4 liters of water, season with cooking salt, then add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. Do not rinse.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the crispy guanciale, tossing to coat in the fat.
  6. Transfer the spaghetti and guanciale mixture to the bowl with the egg mixture, stirring quickly to create the sauce.
  7. Gradually add ½ cup of reserved pasta water while mixing to achieve a creamy consistency.
  8. Serve immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with extra Parmigiano Reggiano and freshly ground black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 22gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Enjoy your Carbonara immediately after making it for the best experience.

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