Simply The Best

Now, I have tried making a handful of different Spaghetti alla Carbonara recipes, but I continually am reassured each time that the recipe my mother makes is simply the best.  No, it is not a health conscious recipe, but yes, it is a very special treat every once in awhile. With the combination of the butter, cream, bacon (or pancetta) and just a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish will have you cheering Mama Mia!

The history behind the origins of this dish is varied. One story is that alla carbonara, meaning coal worker’s style, includes the pepper flakes to resemble coal, and yet another is said to come from the famous restaurant in Rome La Carbonara as their signature dish.  Regardless of where it comes from, it isn’t leaving my recipe binder and I do hope you have an opportunity to try it.  I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed. 

Key Things To Keep In Mind:

*A little goes a long way when it comes to the red pepper flakes.  The slight heat you will taste with the instructed amount is just enough, but not too much (and I’m not one who likes things all that hot).

*Bacon or pancetta – it is completely up to you.  You will have a delicious dish with either.

*Quality parmesan cheese improves the rich flavor significantly

*Fettuccini or linguini pasta is easily interchangeable with spaghetti according your preference

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Ingredients:

*8 slices of bacon/pancetta cut into 1/4” slices

*1/2 cup whipping cream

*1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

*2 medium eggs

*2 large egg yolks

*1/2 cup Parmesan

*1 lb spaghetti

*1/4 cup unsalted butter

Directions:

1. Fry bacon until crisp.

2. Pour off half of the bacon fat and stir into the pan the heavy cream. Add pepper flakes.

3. Heat the cream to a simmer and keep it warm.

4. In a bowl, beat eggs and egg yolks thoroughly and stir in parmesan cheese.

5. Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente.

6. Drain pasta thoroughly in a large colander and transfer to the serving dish.

7. With two forks, stir in butter, the hot cream and bacon mixture and the beaten eggs and cheese.

8. Toss the mixture thoroughly and add salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle with parmesan.

Add a glass of pinot gris, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay and you will melt. Bon appétit!

Images: (1) Food Create