Spaghetti Alla Carbonara Ricetta Originale Romana
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are few dishes that can compare to the iconic Spaghetti Alla Carbonara. This classic Roman recipe is a staple of Italian cuisine, and for good reason - it's delicious, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
What is Spaghetti Alla Carbonara?
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara is a pasta dish that originated in Rome, Italy. The name "carbonara" is derived from the Italian word for charcoal, which refers to the black pepper used in the recipe. The dish typically consists of spaghetti noodles, eggs, pancetta or bacon, pecorino cheese, and black pepper.
The beauty of Spaghetti Alla Carbonara is in its simplicity. The dish is easy to prepare and requires only a few ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Additionally, the flavors of the dish are rich and satisfying, making it a favorite among pasta lovers everywhere.
Ingredients
To make Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 pound pancetta or bacon, diced
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Now that you have all of your ingredients, it's time to get cooking! Follow these simple instructions to make a delicious batch of Spaghetti Alla Carbonara:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, pecorino cheese, and black pepper.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Immediately add the hot pasta to the skillet with the pancetta or bacon and toss to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat the noodles. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Taste and season with salt, if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional pecorino cheese and black pepper, if desired.
Variations
While the traditional Spaghetti Alla Carbonara recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few variations that you can try to switch things up:
- Swap out the pancetta or bacon for guanciale, which is a type of Italian cured meat made from pork jowl.
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Use a combination of pecorino and Parmesan cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Add some peas or asparagus for a pop of color and added nutrition.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is beloved around the world. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavors, it's no wonder that it has stood the test of time. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit.