How to Cook Spaghetti Carbonara As Easy As ABC

Editor

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s loved for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Despite its luxurious taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Here’s how to cook Spaghetti Carbonara as easy as ABC.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. The beauty of Spaghetti Carbonara lies in its simplicity, requiring only a handful of items:

  • 200g of spaghetti
  • 100g of pancetta or guanciale (Italian cured pork)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 50g of Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • 50g of Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves of garlic (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt
  • A handful of fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Preparing the Ingredients

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.

Step 2: Prepare the Pancetta

While the pasta is cooking, cut the pancetta or guanciale into small cubes. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the pancetta. Cook until it’s crispy and golden brown. If you’re using garlic, add the whole cloves (slightly crushed) to the skillet to infuse the oil, then remove them before adding the pasta.

Making the Sauce

Step 3: Mix the Eggs and Cheese

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and smooth. Season with a good amount of freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pancetta

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Toss to combine, ensuring that the pasta is coated in the rendered fat. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling in the next step.

Step 5: Add the Egg and Cheese Mixture

Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently, forming a silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving Your Spaghetti Carbonara

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Divide the Spaghetti Carbonara among plates or bowls. Garnish with additional grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if desired. Add more black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Serve immediately while the pasta is still hot and the sauce is creamy. Spaghetti Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, so dig in and savor the rich, savory flavors.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara

Use High-Quality Ingredients

The simplicity of Spaghetti Carbonara means that the quality of the ingredients really matters. Opt for good-quality pasta, authentic Italian pancetta or guanciale, and freshly grated cheese to elevate the dish.

Avoid Scrambling the Eggs

To prevent the eggs from scrambling, make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture. Stirring quickly and continuously helps to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water

The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. The starchy water helps bind the sauce and make it creamy without being too thick or clumpy.

Conclusion

Cooking Spaghetti Carbonara is as easy as ABC when you follow these simple steps. With just a few quality ingredients and a bit of technique, you can create a delicious and authentic Italian dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Carbonara, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Kiriman Serupa