The Italians do so many culinary things right and this dish is on that list. It is fast, simple, cheap but uncompromising in fulfilling its delicious obligations. Plus if you are a workout junkie like me, you’ve got a good balance of carbs, protein and healthy fat.
You will need (Serves 2):
– Spaghetti
– Grated parmesan
– Cream
– 3 eggs
– 3 cloves of garlic
– 1/2 an onion
– Ham or bacon
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Extra virgin olive oil
1) Throw your pasta into a pot of boiling water and cook till al dente
2) Finely dice your onions and garlic. Cut the ham or bacon into bits. Fry these ingredients with 1 tbsp of oil on medium heat till the meat starts to brown (Not everything must be drowned in oil, people)
3) Whisk the eggs with a 1/4 cup of cream, a good bit of parmesan and season with salt and black pepper
4) Drain your pasta and return it to the pot on low heat. Add your fried ingredients.
5) Pour the sauce in while whisking continuously for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes max. Any longer and you risk making egg fried pasta.
6) Transfer to a plate and serve immediately with a sprinkling of more parmesan and black pepper on top as well as an optional garnish of coriander or parsley
Try it and you just might stop ordering it anywhere else; that DIY satisfaction. You’re done sooner that you could finish singing ‘Pa, pa l’americano!’
By the way, my name in Italian is Seferino. Sexy isn’t it? I know it.
Chef Jeff
Foodie Files: Classic Carbonara
