Traditional Carbonara

Discover the original Roman Carbonara recipe a symphony of flavors featuring perfectly al dente spaghetti, crispy guanciale, and a rich Pecorino Romano sauce. Learn the secrets to creating this iconic Italian dish at home.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 500 g of spaghetti (you can use spaghetti, bucatini, rigatoni, or mezze maniche)
- 150 g of guanciale (cured pork cheek)
- 4 eggs (you will use the yolks)
- 100 g of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Salt and whole black pepper (to taste)
Authentic Roman Carbonara is a classic pasta dish made with just five simple ingredients: spaghetti, guanciale (or pancetta), eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The key to perfection lies in achieving a creamy sauce without overcooking the eggs.
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Instructions:
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First, boil water for the pasta. Use 1 liter (4 cups) of water for every 100 g (3.5 oz) of pasta and add 10 g (~½ tablespoon) of coarse salt per liter (4 cups) of water.
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Cut the guanciale into small pieces (cubes or slices) and cook it in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. The level of cooking is up to your taste—some prefer well-cooked guanciale, while others like it soft. No need for oil; guanciale is already fatty and flavorful.
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Prepare the pecorino cream: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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The egg and pecorino cheese sauce should be quite thick.
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Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
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Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the guanciale. Toss well to coat the pasta with the flavorful fat.
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Remove the skillet from heat and quickly add the egg and pecorino mixture. Toss vigorously to create a creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
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Serve immediately, sprinkled with extra Pecorino Romano and more black pepper.
Remember, the key to a perfect carbonara is not to overcook the eggs—they should be creamy but not scrambled. Enjoy your authentic Roman Carbonara!
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