A Taste of Italy … for 1
Recipe:
- Dish: Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
- Cuisine: Italian
History:
The origins of Spaghetti Carbonara are somewhat debated, but it’s generally believed to have originated in Rome, Italy. It was originally made as a hearty meal for Italian charcoal workers. The dish has evolved over time and is now a popular Italian pasta dish enjoyed worldwide.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 85g spaghetti
- 1 large egg
- 40g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 50g guanciale or pancetta, diced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
- Olive oil
Recipe Instructions:
-
Boil the Pasta:
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
-
Cook the Guanciale/Pancetta:
- In a separate pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced guanciale or pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown.
-
Combine the Ingredients:
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, transfer it to the pan with the cooked guanciale or pancetta. Toss to combine.
-
Add the Sauce:
- Remove the pan from heat.
- Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Toss vigorously to coat the pasta. The heat from the pasta will cook the egg to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and continue tossing.
-
Serve:
- Divide the carbonara onto a serving plate.
- Grate some additional Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper over the top.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
Enjoy your homemade Classic Spaghetti Carbonara—a true taste of Italy!
Please note that the recipe provided is for a single serving. If you need to make more servings, adjust the quantities accordingly.
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a single serving of Classic Spaghetti Carbonara:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for one serving):
- Calories: Around 500-600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Fiber: About 2-4g
Health Information:
- Protein: The dish contains a good amount of protein from the eggs, cheese, and guanciale/pancetta. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall bodily functions.
- Fat: The fat content mainly comes from the cheese and guanciale/pancetta. While it adds flavor, be mindful of the saturated fat content. Pecorino Romano cheese is high in saturated fat, so enjoy this dish in moderation.
- Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates are primarily from the pasta. Opt for whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Calcium: Pecorino Romano cheese contributes to calcium intake, which is important for bone health.
- Calories: This dish is moderately calorie-dense, so portion control is advised if you’re watching your calorie intake.
- Sodium: Be cautious with salt due to the natural saltiness of the cheese and the added salt for pasta cooking.
Remember, the nutritional values can vary based on portion sizes, specific ingredients used, and cooking methods. It’s a delightful dish, but enjoying it as part of a balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
