Pasta Carbonara with Guanciale

Alright, listen up! We're making real-deal Pasta Carbonara. No cream, no nonsense. Just authentic, Roman goodness. This recipe uses guanciale, the proper cured pork cheek, not bacon (though I understand if that's all you can find in a pinch, just adjust the salt accordingly). Pay attention to the details, and you'll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time.

Recipe: Pasta Carbonara with Guanciale

Yields: 2 generous servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes (approximate, depends on pasta cooking time)

Ingredients:

• Pasta: 200g (7 oz) Spaghetti (or Rigatoni if you prefer a sturdier bite) - Use high-quality pasta, ideally bronze-die extruded for a rougher texture that holds the sauce well.
• Guanciale: 100g (3.5 oz), cut into 1/4-inch thick lardons (small strips) - This is the star! Look for it at Italian delis or specialty shops. If using bacon, reduce added salt. Pancetta is an acceptable substitute, but still not ideal.
• Eggs: 2 large whole eggs + 2 large egg yolks - Use the freshest eggs you can find. The yolks add richness and creaminess.
• Pecorino Romano: 50g (1.75 oz), finely grated - Don't substitute Parmesan! Pecorino is sharper and saltier, essential for the authentic flavor. Make sure it's freshly grated.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, abundant amount - Don't be shy! Carbonara loves pepper.
• Salt: To taste (be cautious, as both guanciale and Pecorino are salty)
• Pasta Water: Reserved, starchy water from cooking the pasta - Liquid gold! This is crucial for emulsifying the sauce.

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs or pasta fork

Instructions:

1. Get Started: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Salt the water like the sea! This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
2. Cook the Guanciale: While the water is heating, add the guanciale lardons to a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the guanciale is crispy and golden brown, rendering out its fat. Starting in a cold pan allows the fat to render slowly and evenly. Don't rush this step; the rendered fat is flavor! Remove the guanciale from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Don't discard that fat! That's liquid gold right there!
3. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means "to the tooth," slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta is a cardinal sin! About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, reserve about 1-1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water.
4. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Don't add salt yet; taste later and adjust as needed.
5. Combine Everything: Drain the pasta, reserving the starchy water. Immediately add the drained pasta to the skillet with the rendered guanciale fat. Toss to coat the pasta in the fat. Working quickly here is key to maintaining the right temperature.
6. Temper the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. While constantly tossing the pasta, slowly drizzle in about 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling. Tempering is crucial. You're gradually raising the temperature of the eggs to prevent them from curdling when they come into contact with the hot pasta.
7. Final Emulsification: Pour the tempered egg mixture over the pasta in the skillet. Toss quickly and vigorously to coat the pasta evenly. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon or two at a time, until the sauce is creamy and clings to the pasta. The goal is a glossy, emulsified sauce that coats each strand of pasta. Add the crispy guanciale.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper. Carbonara is best enjoyed immediately. The sauce can thicken as it cools.

Chef's Notes and Tips:

• Temperature is Key: The most common mistake is cooking the eggs. You want a creamy sauce, not scrambled eggs. This is why tempering the eggs and removing the skillet from the heat are critical steps.
• Emulsification: The pasta water is your secret weapon. Add it gradually, tossing constantly, until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.
• Salt: Be mindful of the saltiness of the guanciale and Pecorino Romano. Taste and adjust the salt accordingly.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you're making a larger batch, work in batches to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the fat and sauce.
• Experiment: Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with different types of pasta, such as rigatoni, bucatini, or even tonnarelli.

Buon appetito! Go forth and create a truly magnificent Carbonara. Now, get cooking!