A Timeless Italian Classic

Sure! Here’s a timeless Italian classic that’s beloved around the world:

🇮🇹 A Timeless Italian Classic: Spaghetti alla Carbonara

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

🍝 Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti

• 150g (5 oz) guanciale (or pancetta), diced

• 3 large eggs

• 1 egg yolk

• 100g (1 cup) freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Cook spaghetti until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the Sauce Base:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolk, grated Pecorino, and a generous amount of black pepper. Set aside.

3. Cook the Guanciale:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the guanciale until golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Combine:

   • Add the hot drained spaghetti to the skillet with the guanciale (off the heat).

   • Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing vigorously to create a creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until smooth and silky.

5. Serve:

   • Plate immediately with extra Pecorino and freshly cracked pepper on top.

Tips for Authentic Carbonara:

• No cream! The creamy texture comes from the emulsion of eggs, cheese, and hot pasta water.

• Use guanciale if possible — it has a richer flavor than pancetta or bacon.

• Work quickly off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Let me know if you want another Italian classic — like lasagna, osso buco, or risotto alla Milanese!