Spaghetti Carbonara, quick recipe

Spaghetti Carbonara: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that combines speed and savory flavor, then spaghetti carbonara is the perfect choice! This dish has a rich history, being a traditional recipe that has evolved over the years, based on simple and accessible ingredients. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a serving of spaghetti carbonara, perfect for a family dinner or a quick lunch.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 400 g spaghetti
- 200 g chicken ham (or bacon, for a traditional variant)
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g cooking cream
- 200 g cheese (preferably aged cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste
- Olives for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

1. Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. It’s important not to overcook them to prevent sticking.

2. Drain and cool: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain and quickly rinse under cold water. This step prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain the texture.

3. Prepare the sauce: In a medium skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat lightly. Cut the chicken ham into cubes and fry in the skillet until slightly crispy. This step will add a delicious texture and savory flavor to the dish.

4. Mix the yolks and cream: In a bowl, combine the egg yolks with the cream. Mix well until you achieve a smooth mixture. This mixture will form the creamy base of the sauce.

5. Combine the ingredients: Once the ham is ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the yolk and cream mixture over the ham, stirring quickly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Also add half of the grated cheese, mixing well.

6. Add the spaghetti: Put the cooked spaghetti in the skillet, carefully mixing everything so that the sauce evenly coats the pasta. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a little pasta cooking water to thin the sauce.

7. Finish the dish: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top of the pasta in the plate and season with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste.

8. Serve: Garnish with olives for an extra touch of color and flavor, if desired. These will add a salty note and an interesting contrast to the creaminess of the sauce.

Helpful tips:

- Choose quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will directly influence the taste of the dish. Opt for aged cheese, which will provide extra flavor.

- Customize the recipe: You can add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enrich the dish. Also, if you want a healthier option, replace the chicken ham with turkey or even a vegan alternative.

- Try with white wine: If you want to add extra flavor, try adding a small amount of white wine to the skillet after frying the ham. Let it evaporate before adding the cream.

Nutritional benefits:

This spaghetti carbonara recipe contains protein from eggs and chicken ham, as well as calcium from cheese, making it a balanced meal. However, it is important to consume these pasta dishes in moderation, considering the fat and calorie content. A serving has approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use light cream? – Yes, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less creamy.
2. Can spaghetti carbonara be frozen? – It is not recommended, as the egg and cream sauce will separate upon thawing. It’s best to consume them fresh.
3. Can I replace spaghetti with another type of pasta? – Absolutely! Fusilli, penne, or tagliatelle are all excellent options.

Possible variations:

- Truffle carbonara: Add truffle oil at the end for a refined flavor.
- Vegetarian carbonara: Replace chicken ham with fried tofu or mushrooms for a delicious meatless option.

And for a perfect accompaniment, try serving spaghetti carbonara with a glass of dry white wine or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Enjoy your meal! Savor every bite of this simple yet impressive spaghetti carbonara recipe!