Description
Delia Smith’s Spaghetti Carbonara is a traditional Italian dish made with spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Delia’s version follows the authentic technique of using eggs and cheese to create the sauce, resulting in a rich, creamy dish without the need for heavy cream. The key to success with this recipe is tossing the hot pasta with the eggs and cheese, allowing the heat of the spaghetti to gently cook the eggs and create a velvety sauce.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti (350g): The classic pasta choice for carbonara.
- Pancetta (150g, diced): Provides a salty, smoky flavor.
- Eggs (2 large, beaten): The base of the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (50g, grated): Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Optional but adds a hint of flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For cooking the pancetta.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning.
- Salt (to taste): For seasoning the pasta water.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Step 2: Cook the pancetta
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, if using, and sauté for another minute. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the egg and cheese mixture
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
- Set the mixture aside.
Step 4: Combine the pasta with the egg mixture
- Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, return it to the pot.
- Immediately pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot spaghetti, tossing quickly to ensure the eggs cook from the heat of the pasta.
- Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the pancetta
- Add the crispy pancetta to the spaghetti and toss everything together until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with more black pepper if desired.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the carbonara hot, with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper sprinkled on top.