Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe w/ Salad
### Spaghetti Carbonara
#### Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 150g (5 oz) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Spaghetti:**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Prepare the Pancetta/Bacon:**
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
3. **Prepare the Sauce:**
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
4. **Combine:**
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and immediately add it to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss to combine.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. **Serve:**
- Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
### Simple Green Salad
#### Ingredients:
- Mixed salad greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that captivates taste buds with its creamy texture and savory flavors. Made traditionally with just a few ingredients, including eggs, cheese, and pancetta, this pasta dish is quick to prepare yet decadent enough for special occasions. To elevate your meal, consider pairing it with a crisp salad to balance the richness of the carbonara. A simple green salad can be made with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This not only adds freshness but also provides essential nutrients, making your dish a more wholesome dining experience. For those who prefer variations, this dish can be adapted by adding peas or using different types of cheese like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Remember, the key to a great Spaghetti Carbonara is to combine the hot pasta with the egg mixture off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this iconic recipe!
This looks so good, must try this when I get home