Tuesday, January 26, 2010

How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara

Quick and easy, this is a delicious, rich brunch or dinner entree - and it's really just pasta with bacon and eggs!

Serves six people.

1. Heat the oven to 300 degrees F. Place a large ovenproof casserole in the oven.
2. Cook the pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.
3. Beat the eggs gently together with the cream until just combined. Set aside.
4. Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain well.
5. Immediately take the casserole out of the oven and put the pasta in it.
6. Add the butter to the casserole and toss. Pour the egg mixture into the casserole and toss again.
7. Add the pancetta, cheese, and parsley and toss well again. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Tips & Warnings
- Pancetta is an Italian type of bacon found in many supermarkets and delis. If you can't find it, use regular American bacon instead.
- That's right, you don't "cook" the eggs; the heat of the pasta cooks them, making a silky sauce.
- Some people think it's sacrilege to have cream in carbonara - you can leave it out if you like.