What You’ll Need
- Spaghetti – 200g
- Pancetta or Guanciale – 150g
- Extra-virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Eggs – 2
- Pecorino Romano cheese (grated) – 50g
- Black pepper (freshly ground) – to taste
- Salt – to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for your carbonara. Chop the pancetta or guanciale into small cubes. Grate the pecorino cheese and set it aside. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Drop the spaghetti into the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. It is important to cook the pasta separately before combining it with the sauce.
Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta or guanciale and cook until crispy and golden brown. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Combining the Pasta and Sauce
Once the pancetta or guanciale has cooled, add the cooked spaghetti directly into the frying pan with the pancetta. Toss the pasta in the oil and pancetta, allowing the flavors to combine.
Step 5: Adding the Eggs and Cheese
Now it’s time to add the whisked eggs to the pasta. Make sure the pan is off the heat before doing this. Gradually pour the eggs over the spaghetti, stirring quickly to coat the pasta evenly.
Next, sprinkle the grated pecorino cheese over the pasta. The heat from the pasta will slowly melt the cheese, creating a creamy sauce.
Step 6: Seasoning and Serving
Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the carbonara. Taste and season with salt if necessary, although the cheese and pancetta already provide saltiness to the dish.
Your authentic Roman carbonara is now ready to be served! Plate the pasta and garnish with an extra sprinkle of pecorino cheese and black pepper if desired. Enjoy your masterpiece!
Congratulations! You have successfully created a heavenly bowl of authentic Roman carbonara. By following our step-by-step guide, you can now confidently impress your friends and family with this classic Italian dish. Remember, using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques is the secret to achieving the perfect carbonara every time.
Now that you know how to make this delicious dish, go ahead and give it a try. Buon appetito!