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Classic Pasta Carbonara

k engels

A Timeless Italian Delight

Pasta Carbonara is a classic Roman dish with roots tracing back to mid-20th century Italy. Traditionally made with eggs, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper, it’s a testament to the ingenuity of Italian cooks making delicious food from simple ingredients. Variations might include the use of pancetta instead of ham or prosciutto and the addition of cream for a richer sauce.

Wine Pairing

Pair this dish with a crisp, dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine like Sangiovese to complement the creamy sauce and salty pork.

Recommended Sides

Classic Pasta Carbonara

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 400g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • 200g ham or prosciutto, cut into small pieces
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • A small handful of fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan in a bowl until well combined. Season with a little salt and pepper.
  3. Cook Ham/Prosciutto: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ham or prosciutto pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly crispy.
  4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ham or prosciutto. Toss well to coat the pasta in the oil. Remove the skillet from heat. Quickly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta, stirring vigorously with tongs or a fork until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.

    Chef Notes

    • Use room temperature eggs to ensure a smoother sauce.
    • Stir the egg and cheese mixture quickly into the hot pasta to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
    • Customize the dish with your choice of fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

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