Technique for Carbonara sauce?

Question

Man ... I made a horribly dry scrambled egg -cream sauce the other day ... AND lost a bunch of prosciutto in the process. :( Can anyone explain how to make an awesome creamy sauce like I'd find in Europe? Thanks!

Answer 1

There is a lot of misinformation being given to you, and there are a lot of bad ideas out there being recommended by the "mac 'n cheese" set!

I think your problem is fairly simple. It sounds as though you tried to cook the egg/cream mixture. You shouldn't do that - mix the egg/cream mixture, uncooked, into the cooked pasta. After that, the cooked pancetta, or proscutto, is added. The heat from the pasta and and meat will be enough, but not too much, heat to allow the egg/cream mixture to blend.

Also, I use pancetta, not proscutto, for my Carbonara. I have also had a few wonderful versions using smoked strip bacon, finely diced smoked pork loin meat, smoked duck breast, and smoked salmon!

Try this recipe and see how it goes!


Spaghetti Carbonara

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
10 ounces pancetta, smoked side bacon (trimmed of fat), smoked loin pork chop, or proscutto, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 pound spaghetti
1 cup heavy cream, plus more if needed
4 large egg yolks
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Grate it fresh - not the type you buy in a shaker! (about 5 ounces), plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Heat a medium skillet (not teflon - must be cast iron or aluminum) over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta, bacon, smoked pork meat or proscutto to skillet, and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove skillet from heat, and keep warm.

Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes.

While spaghetti is cooking, whisk cream, egg yolks, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until combined.

Drain pasta, and return to unheated burner. Immediately stir in egg-and-cheese mixture and mix until well combined. Add warm pancetta and fat from pan. Toss well. Thin sauce with additional cream, if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Here you can find the real Italian traditional simple Carbonara: http://wp.me/p4mgUx-em

simple and delicious :)

Please let me know if you need any help

Answer 3

First off cook off your chopped up pancetta, bacon, or prosciutto (one or the other) then add some previously caramelized onions, and a pinch of chopped garlic. Saute until the garlic is a light golden brown, then deglaze with about 1 1/2 cups of a nice white wine, no need for it to be expensive,, just one you like. Cook off the wine and add about 1/2 qt. of heavy cream,, get it simmering,, but not burning on the bottom, so it starts to reduce, then add a generous hand full of fresh grated Romano cheese, toss in your favorite pasta(previously Cooked and still somewhat hot) , fettuccine is preferred, while tossing, add a tablespoon full of real butter, and a hand full of frozen peas (optional, but adds great texture) toss in well. This is where I add the egg,, remove the pan from the heat, crack and drop the egg in on top of the pasta, and it's sauce, it is easiest to pop the yolk here with a fork, then toss well for a minute or so, then plate up your meal, garnish your plate with another hand full of fresh ground Romano cheese, and freshly chopped parsley.

Answer 4

Cook you pasta, drain and set aside. Fry your bacon (or panceta) and then add your garlic and fry until soft (but not burnt). Turn down the heat on the hob. In a bowl, beat 2 eggs then stir in a 250 ml tub of double cream (or creme fraiche for a low fat option), then add your parmesan and black pepper. Pour the egg/cream/parmesan mixture into the frying pan and cook over a low heat, stirring regularly until thickened. Then add to pasta and stir through over a low heat.

Enjoy. Yum, one of my favourites!

Answer 5

Milk cream, 2 scr.eggs, a slight mixture of corn oil,mayonnaise(light),vinegar balsamico
of Modena,along with slices of bacon. Stir the whole a lot.Add a bit of boiling water in
(20 drops). Stir it.Then heat the whole for 10'. Pour it over.! (greek option).

Ciao.John-John.