Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Quick and of eggs for that all important protein!



Serves 4

Prep: 10 mins

Cook time:  20 mins


Equipment

Garlic press

Knife and chopping board

tbsp measurer

Grater

Large pan with lid to cook pasta

Frying pan or flat casserole 


Ingredients

400g or 14oz spaghetti or linguine

175g or 6oz pancetta cubes (or bacon chopped up or chorizo  -your choice!)

2tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 large cloves garlic chopped or crushed

Handful fresh flat leaf parsley finely chopped (try to take out the big pieces of stalk and finely slice the rest)

3 large free-range eggs, beaten

50g  or 1 3/4 oz pecorino cheese (or parmesan) finely grated

salt and pepper 


Method

Boil a full kettle of water. If using spaghetti or linguine lean the pasta against the side of the pan and pour the boiled water across the middle of the pasta to soften it so you can gently bend it round and into the pan. 

Make sure you gently stir the pasta around a little to stop it sticking together, or to the pan, as it comes back to the boil.

Make sure the pasta is well covered with water. Bring to a strong simmer and partly cover with a lid. Keep to a strong simmer or gentle boil for 8-10 minutes.

Heat the frying pan and pour in the oil. If using whole pieces of bacon chop, or place the lardons into the hot pan and fry until they are starting to colour at the edges.




Check the spaghetti is not sticking into clumps or to the pan by gently stirring round with a wooden spoon again. If more water needed top it up with water from the kettle, do so.

Add the garlic and parsley to the bacon and stir through. Lower the heat and just warm. Do not cook for long as the garlic will catch. Remove from the heat.

To check the pasta is cooked use a fork to hook out a piece.  If it cuts easily with the side of the fork it is done. Alternatively taste a piece. It should be firm but not soft all the way through. 


Drain the cooked spaghetti and place it in the pan with the garlic, parsley and bacon.


Add the beaten egg and 3/4 of the cheese. Turn the heat off. Too much heat and the eggs will scramble - residual heat from the pasta and pan will cook them to a creamy texture without additional heat.




Season with salt and pepper and serve with the remaining cheese sprinkled over the top, a sprinkle of parsley and perhaps a twist of pepper.

Enjoy!










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