Founder of @Umami Sans Frontières
Expense
Preparation
Baking time
Rest time
For 4 people
* Tip for Adjusting Egg Quantity:
The basic rule is one egg yolk per person, plus one whole egg. Make sure to double-check the measurements.
1/ Prepare the water: Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil.
2/ Cook the bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces (or use pre-cut bacon). Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the bacon, and cook until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the fat in the pan.
3/ Grate the cheese: Grate the Parmesan cheese. Set aside 100g for the sauce and keep the remaining 50g for garnish.
4/ Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine 100g grated Parmesan, 3 egg yolks, 1 whole egg, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
5/ Cook the spaghetti: Once the water boils, add a generous pinch of salt and the spaghetti. Cook for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions until al dente.
6/ Prepare the pan: Add a ladleful of the spaghetti’s boiling water to the frying pan with the bacon fat and keep it warm over low heat.
7/ Combine spaghetti and sauce: Transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot to the frying pan using tongs (no need to drain). Toss the pasta in the pan over medium heat to coat it evenly in the bacon fat.
8/ Mix in the sauce: Remove the pan from the heat, then pour in the egg and cheese mixture. Toss quickly to coat the spaghetti evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more of the spaghetti water, one ladle at a time, until smooth. Avoid adding too much water, as the sauce should remain creamy, not runny.
9/ Add the bacon: Mix in the cooked bacon, saving a few pieces for garnish.
10/ Serve: Plate the spaghetti, then top with the reserved bacon and a sprinkle of the remaining grated Parmesan. Serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful carbonara, just like in Rome!
⭐ Season to Perfection: Adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste for an even more flavorful dish. Don’t be shy with the black pepper—it’s a key ingredient!
⭐ Elevate the Presentation: Inspired by a chic restaurant in Rome, serve your carbonara with a dramatic, high spiral of pasta on the plate. Use a ladle to help create this elegant look—it’s easier than it seems and sure to impress!
⭐ Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for fatty and salty bacon (or pancetta) to enhance the dish’s rich, savory flavor. The quality of the bacon makes all the difference.
⭐ Pasta Choice Matters: While spaghetti is traditional, linguine works beautifully in this recipe, adding a unique texture to the dish.
⭐ Master the Technique: Making enough for four? Tossing the pasta with the sauce at the end can require some arm strength, so be prepared to give it your all. The creamy, delicious result is worth the effort!
⭐ Adjust the Richness: If you feel like the sauce could use a bit more richness, try adding one extra egg yolk. It will make the flavor even more luxurious.
📖 I’ve also shared a blog post with stories and tips about this carbonara recipe—feel free to check it out!
Founder of @Umami Sans Frontières
