Thursday, December 8, 2011

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

I saw Anne Burrell make this on the Best Thing I Ever Made and I had all of the ingredients so I thought I'd give it a try.  I used bacon instead of pancetta and just didn't add any extra salt.  From reading reviews on food network I made sure to turn off direct heat while adding the eggs so they didn't scramble. 

Ingredients

  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup grated pecorino
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 scallions, cut on a severe bias
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil over medium heat.
Add about 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta a medium heat and cook until it starts to color and become crisp. Turn off the heat and reserve.
Drop the pasta into the salted boiling water and cook it 1 minute less than it says on the package, usually about 6 to 7 minutes. Bite the pasta to check the consistency.
While the pasta is cooking, crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add the grated cheeses and season with salt. Whisk vigorously until it becomes a homogenous. Season generously with black pepper.
When the pasta is just about done, return the pan with the pancetta to medium heat. Remove the pasta from the cooking water. Toss or stir the pasta into the pancetta to coat the pasta with the remaining fat in the skillet. Immediately vigorously stir the egg mixture into the pasta. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the egg mixture looks like a cream sauce.
Serve immediately garnished with sliced scallions.
The Verdict:  The family loved it.  Josh exclaimed that it was his favorite dinner ever and Michael got seconds which never ever happens.  On the other hand I thought it was just ok, a little too eggy for me.  I will definitely make it again since everyone loved it and it was super easy and quick.  

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