Authentic Carbonara

Directions

  1. 1Dice the guanciale.
  2. 2Fry the guanciale in a pan until crispy and rendered, removing it from the pan once cooked.
  3. 3Grate the pecorino romano cheese finely into a bowl.
  4. 4Separate the egg whites from the yolks, adding three egg yolks and one whole egg to the grated pecorino romano.
  5. 5Whisk the cheese and eggs until combined.
  6. 6Add some of the rendered guanciale fat to the egg and cheese mixture and whisk until smooth.
  7. 7Crush fresh whole peppercorns using a mortar and pestle.
  8. 8Add the crushed black pepper to the egg mixture and whisk.
  9. 9Boil salted water in a pot and add the spaghetti.
  10. 10Transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot into the pan with the guanciale.
  11. 11Pour the egg and cheese sauce over the spaghetti.
  12. 12Add some of the starchy pasta water to the sauce to create a creamy emulsion.
  13. 13Mix well until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
  14. 14Serve the carbonara on a plate.
  15. 15Top with crispy guanciale and extra sauce.

Ingredients

  • guanciale
  • pecorino romano cheese
  • 1 whole egg
  • 3 egg yolks
  • black pepper
  • spaghetti

Equipment

knifecutting boardpangraterbowlwhiskmortar and pestlepottongsladle