PASTA CARBONARA

Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara (with Eggs and Bacon)

I include a recipe for this well-known dish because most people I know get it completely wrong, either adding milk or cream or letting the eggs become scrambled. This recipe is the real thing. It was brought to Lazio from Umbria by coal men (carbonari), who came to sell charcoal to the Romans. Since then it has been adopted by the Romans and is famous worldwide.
Serves 2 (good portions)

220g Spaghetti or Spaghettoni (the largest spaghetti)
25g Guanciale (the cheek of the pork) or pancetta (Italian bacon) cut into small cubes.
2 tbsp olive oil
2 eggs
50g Parmesan cheese (or aged pecorino) freshly grated.
Freshly ground black pepper.

Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling salted water until al dente.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan and fry the guanciale or pancetta until crisp. Lightly beat the eggs in a large bowl with the grated cheese and pepper. When the pasta is ready, drain and add to the pan with the guanciale. Then mix well to coat everything. Take off the heat. Allow to cool slightly. Then add the egg and cheese mixture. Stir to coat the pasta and serve immediately.