I can suggest a popular and delicious meal that many people enjoy: Spaghetti Carbonara!
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish made with pasta, eggs, cheese (usually Pecorino Romano or Parmesan), pancetta or guanciale (cured pork jowl), and black pepper. It's relatively simple to prepare and can be ready in about 20-25 minutes.
Here's a basic recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) of spaghetti
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces (113g) of pancetta or guanciale, diced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt (optional, as the cheese and pancetta are already salty)
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. The mixture should be thick but creamy.
In a separate pan, cook the diced pancetta or guanciale until crispy and lightly browned.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, immediately add it to the pan with the pancetta/guanciale. Toss to coat the pasta with the rendered fat.
Remove the pan from heat and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta. Toss vigorously to combine, making sure the eggs create a creamy sauce without scrambling.
If the pasta seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of grated cheese and black pepper on top.
Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Carbonara! Remember, cooking times may vary depending on your experience and kitchen setup, but with practice, you'll become more efficient at making this delicious dish.