Creating a tantalizing Carbonara in under 20 minutes starts long before the heat is turned up. Begin by dressing your kitchen battlefield; season the pot of water for your pasta liberally and prepare all your ingredients so they’re ready to dance at your command. Remember, in rapid cooking, your mis en place can make or break the dish.
Traditional Italian Carbonara revolves around paramount quality over quantity adaptations are acceptable; smoked streaky bacon serves as the star alongside the humble egg, the sharpness of Parmesan or Grana Padano, and the subtle heat from a well-chosen red chili.
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Pasta Carbonara Recipe
4
servings10
minutes15
minutesOpt for smoked streaky bacon, renowned for its compelling fat that crisps perfectly under heat. This variety imparts a complex, smoky flavor that cuts through the dish’s richness. The trick lies in cutting into large, rustic strips, ensuring a robust presence with every forkful.
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Ingredients
1 lb. spaghetti
Kosher salt
⅔ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
¼ cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 ounces pancetta, chopped
½ small yellow onion, cut into small dice
3 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
¼ cup dry white wine
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ cup fresh shucked peas or thawed frozen English peas
8 0z Heavy Cream
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, whisk the Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, parsley, eggs, and cream in a large bowl. Slowly drizzle in some reserved water, whisking until the mixture is well combined, and form a sauce for the pasta.
- Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until the edges are crisp about 6 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and reserve. Drain off all but 1 tbsp of fat from the pan. Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté one minute more. Add the wine and cook until almost all the liquid is evaporated. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the onions, pancetta, peas, and spaghetti to the egg-and-cheese mixture, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine and serve with more Parmesan.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Adapted from Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen TV Show.
What Ingredients Are Used in Spaghetti Carbonara?
Spaghetti carbonara typically consists of several key ingredients: spaghetti (or another type of pasta), cured pork (such as pancetta or guanciale), eggs, hard cheese (like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano), freshly ground black pepper, and sometimes garlic. While there are variations, these ingredients form the basis of the classic Italian dish.
What is the Most Important Principle When Preparing Carbonara?
The most important principle, or golden rule, when preparing Carbonara is not to cook the eggs separately but to combine them with the hot pasta, which cooks the eggs gently and prevents them from scrambling. This creates the creamy sauce that Carbonara is known for. Timing and temperature control are crucial to achieve the silky texture of the sauce.
How Would You Describe the Flavor of Spaghetti Carbonara?
Spaghetti carbonara has a rich, savory flavor profile with a creamy texture. The cured pork provides a salty, umami depth, complemented by the sharpness and saltiness of the cheese. The black pepper adds a warm, slightly spicy touch. Overall, it’s a comforting and indulgent dish that tastes simple and sophisticated.
Are Raw Eggs Incorporated into Spaghetti Carbonara?
Yes, raw eggs are an integral part of spaghetti carbonara. The eggs are not cooked sIt’sately but are tossed with the hot pasta, sufficient to cook them lightly and create the creamy sauce that coats the pasta. It’s essential to work quickly and use the residual heat from the pasta to cook the eggs without curdling them.
Summing Up
Gordon Ramsay’s Spaghetti Carbonara is more than just a dish; it encapsulates robust flavors, a mark of culinary expertise, and an expression of tradition with a twist. Combining smoky pancetta with the classic, creamy egg sauce and a touch of modern finesse transforms an everyday meal into an extraordinary experience.
This reinvention of the Italian staple is a testament to the versatility of age-old recipes when they meet the innovation of a world-renowned chef. Whether you are a seasoned cook or an eager novice, this guide has armed you with the knowledge to recreate a Ramsay classic in your kitchen. So twirl your fork into this sumptuous Carbonara and savor the magic of a dish that will impress the dining table. Buon appetito!
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