Spaghetti Carbonara America's Test Kitchen
Spaghetti Carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta dish that has been enjoyed for generations. However, America's Test Kitchen has taken this classic recipe and given it a modern twist, creating a dish that is both rich and flavorful, yet surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we'll explore the history of Spaghetti Carbonara, the ingredients and technique used by America's Test Kitchen, and how you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
The History of Spaghetti Carbonara
The origins of Spaghetti Carbonara are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with several different stories circulating about how the dish came to be. Some believe that the recipe was created by Italian charcoal workers who needed a quick and filling meal to sustain them during their long shifts. Others believe that it was created by American soldiers stationed in Italy during World War II, who wanted a taste of home but had limited access to ingredients.
Regardless of its origins, Spaghetti Carbonara has become a beloved dish in Italy and around the world, with countless variations and adaptations being created over the years. However, the traditional recipe consists of just a few simple ingredients: spaghetti, eggs, cheese, and bacon or pancetta.
The America's Test Kitchen Version
America's Test Kitchen is known for taking classic recipes and putting their own spin on them, and their version of Spaghetti Carbonara is no exception. The recipe calls for some non-traditional ingredients, such as heavy cream and garlic, but the end result is a dish that is rich and flavorful, with a creamy sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti.
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make America's Test Kitchen Spaghetti Carbonara:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
And here's how you make it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg mixture over the spaghetti. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
Tips for Making Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara
While Spaghetti Carbonara is a relatively simple dish, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure that your version turns out perfectly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Since Spaghetti Carbonara has so few ingredients, it's important to use the best quality ingredients you can find. Look for good quality pancetta, fresh eggs, and high-quality Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the spaghetti just right. The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. If the pasta is overcooked, it will become mushy and won't hold up well in the sauce.
- Don't overcook the eggs. The eggs in Spaghetti Carbonara should be cooked just enough to thicken the sauce, but not so much that they become scrambled. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent the eggs from overcooking.
- Adjust the sauce consistency. The sauce in Spaghetti Carbonara should be creamy and thick, but not too thick. If it seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that has been enjoyed for generations. America's Test Kitchen has put their own spin on the recipe, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is surprisingly easy to make. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
In summary, Spaghetti Carbonara is a dish that is rich in history and flavor, and America's Test Kitchen has brought it into the modern era with a few simple tweaks. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire.