Spaghetti alla Carbonara dish -italian dish

What is Spaghetti alla Carbonara  ?

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish that typically consists of spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper. The dish is known for its creamy texture, achieved by mixing raw eggs with the hot pasta, creating a flavorful sauce.

History of Spaghetti alla Carbonara

The exact origins of Spaghetti alla Carbonara are somewhat unclear, but it's widely believed to have roots in Rome, Italy. One theory suggests that the dish emerged during or after World War II, with the use of readily available ingredients like eggs, pasta, and cured pork. The name "carbonara" may derive from "carbonaro," meaning charcoal burner, possibly referencing the charcoal workers who could have inspired the dish.

While the precise history remains debated, Spaghetti alla Carbonara has become a classic Roman dish, celebrated for its simplicity and rich flavors. It has since gained popularity both in Italy and internationally.

How to make Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

To make Spaghetti alla Carbonara, you'll need:

Ingredients:

400g (14oz) spaghetti

150g (5oz) guanciale or pancetta diced

3 large eggs

1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated

Black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions:

Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

In a separate pan, cook the diced guanciale or pancetta over medium heat until it becomes crispy.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper.

Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the pan with the crispy guanciale, tossing to combine.

Remove the pan from heat and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously to coat the spaghetti. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve a creamy consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Pecorino Romano and black pepper.

Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti alla Carbonara!