America's Test Kitchen Spaghetti Carbonara
If you're looking for a classic Italian dish that's easy to make and tastes great, look no further than spaghetti carbonara. This dish is a staple of Italian cuisine and has been enjoyed by people around the world for generations. One of the best recipes for spaghetti carbonara comes from America's Test Kitchen, a trusted source for recipes and cooking tips.
What is Spaghetti Carbonara?
Spaghetti carbonara is a pasta dish made with spaghetti noodles, bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. The dish originated in Rome and is named after the carbonari, or charcoal workers, who used to make it. The dish is simple to make and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
America's Test Kitchen Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
The recipe for America's Test Kitchen spaghetti carbonara is as follows:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 8 ounces bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs plus 2 large yolks
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- While the spaghetti cooks, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
- Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Toss to combine. Add the egg mixture and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water. Toss until the sauce coats the spaghetti, adding more cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Divide the spaghetti carbonara among four plates. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making Spaghetti Carbonara
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect spaghetti carbonara:
- Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy and won't hold up well in the sauce.
- Reserve some of the cooking water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water can be used to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Whisk the egg mixture thoroughly to ensure it is well combined and smooth.
- Don't add the egg mixture to the skillet until it has cooled slightly. If the skillet is too hot, the eggs may scramble.
Conclusion
Spaghetti carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and delicious. With this recipe from America's Test Kitchen, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. By following these tips, you'll be able to make the perfect spaghetti carbonara every time. Buon appetito!