Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Ingredients

• 11 ozspaghetti
• 6egg yolks, at room temperature
• 5 1/4 ozpancetta, rind removed, finely chopped
• 1/2 cuppecorino, finely grated
• salt, for the pasta water, and to taste
• black pepper, freshly ground, and plenty of it
• 1/2 cupParmesan, finely grated; mixed with the pecorino
• 3 1/2 tbspbutter, for frying the pancetta
• 2 clovesgarlic, peeled and bruised; removed before serving

Method

1. 1

   Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.

2. 2

   While it heats, finely chop the pancetta, removing any rind, and mix the pecorino and Parmesan together in a bowl.

3. 3

   Beat the egg yolks in a medium bowl, then mix in most of the cheese, keeping a small handful back for serving. Season with plenty of freshly ground black pepper and set aside.

4. 4

   Add 1 tsp salt to the boiling water, add the spaghetti and cook at a constant simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until al dente.

5. 5

   While the pasta cooks, squash the garlic cloves with the flat of a knife, just enough to bruise them. Melt the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat and, as soon as it has melted, tip in the pancetta and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the pancetta is golden and crisp at the edges. The garlic has done its job by now, so lift it out with a slotted spoon and discard it.

6. 6

   Turn the heat under the pancetta down low. When the pasta is al dente, lift it straight from the water into the skillet with tongs — a little pasta water coming with it is exactly what you want. Don't pour the pasta water away.

7. 7

   Remove the pan from the heat and quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture. Using tongs or a long fork, lift the spaghetti to coat it evenly — the egg should thicken without scrambling.

8. 8

   Add a few tablespoons of pasta cooking water to keep the sauce moist and glossy. Season with a little salt if needed.

9. 9

   Twist the pasta onto warmed plates or into bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and a grating of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Nutrition per serving