Name: Massimo Bianchi’s spaghetti carbonara
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 50 ml extra-virgin olive oil; 200 gm guanciale (see note), finely chopped; 6 egg yolks; 3 eggwhites; 25 gm finely grated parmesan (1/3 cup); 25 gm finely grated Pecorino (1/3 cup); 500 gm spaghetti

Carbonara is a traditional pasta dish from Rome. Some sources date it as far back as ancient Rome, while others say it was a post-WWII invention. There is as much controversy over how the name came about. ‘Carbone’ is Italian for coal, and some say this dish is named for the charcoal makers or coal miners with whom it was popular. Whatever its origin, authentic carbonara includes eggs, black pepper, guanciale (pork cheek) and parmesan or Pecorino. It should be eaten as soon as it’s mixed, while it’s still hot.

Ingredients

50 ml extra-virgin olive oil

200 gm guanciale (see note), finely chopped

6 egg yolks

3 eggwhites

25 gm finely grated parmesan (1/3 cup)

25 gm finely grated Pecorino (1/3 cup)

500 gm spaghetti

Method

Main

1.Heat olive oil in a frying pan, add guanciale and sauté over medium heat until crisp and set aside.

2.In a large bowl whisk together egg yolks and whites. Add parmesan and Pecorino and season with freshly ground black pepper.

3.Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving some cooking water.

4.Add spaghetti to egg mixture with guanciale and oil and mix quickly to combine, adding cooking water if pasta is too dry. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.