SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA – Spaghetti in the manner of the Coal Miner’s Wife
Alla Carbonara means “in the manner of the coal mine’s wife”. According to legend, the dish was popular with miners because the few ingredients could easily be carried or, in the case of eggs, pocketed from henhouses on the way to work. When appetites knocked, a simple campfire in the woods was all that was needed to make an elegant meal. The liberal use of pepper is considered a modern-day metaphor for the specks of coal that would inevitably drop from the miners’ clothing onto the plates of pasta.
Ingredients
1 pound (450 gr) Spaghetti
¼ pound (125 gr) Pancetta (or bacon), finely diced
½ onion, chopped
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 egg yolks, beaten
salt
½ cup of Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
¼ cup of Freshly grated Pecorino cheese
3 tbsp fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped (Optional)
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, not browned, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Add 2 tablespoons salt to the boiling water, add the spaghetti, and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta well.
Combine the grated Pecorino and Parmigiano cheese.
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the egg yolks and half grated cheese in a small bowl.
Return the skillet with the onion and pancetta to low heat. Add drained pasta and toss well with the sauce to heat through. Add the egg mixture and toss until well coated and heated through. Add just enough of the reserved pasta water to make the mixture creamy.
Place the pasta in 4 individual pasta bowls and spoon over any sauce remaining in the skillet. Optional: sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Pass the remaining grated cheese at the table.
Serves 4
Preparation and Cooking Time: 15 minutes
about the author: Rosemary Gullo
Rosemary is the author of Healthy Italian Cooking.
Healthy Italian Cooking is packed with dozens of tasty recipes and is Easy to Use. Each section takes you step by step through a new meal for your family. It is full of tips, tricks and secrets that will not only show you how to cook healthy Italian food, but will also cut down on cooking time and make dinner preparation simple.
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