v1

First Attempt

Classic Carbonara by chef_maria · Created Jan 25, 2026

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4
Ease: 3.6/5
Easy

Experiment Notes

Following the traditional recipe. Need to work on the sauce texture.

Ingredients (7 items)

  • 400g Spaghetti
  • 200g Guanciale (cubed)
  • 4 Eggs (whole)
  • 2 Egg yolks
  • 100g Pecorino Romano (finely grated)
  • 2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Equipment Needed

🍳 Grater
3
🍳 Medium Mixing Bowl
2
🍳 Stainless Steel Pan (large)
4
🍳 Stock Pot
4
🍳 Tongs
1

Total cleanup difficulty: 14

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

    Skill: (Beginner)
  • While pasta cooks, cut guanciale into small cubes.

    ⏱️ 5 min Skill: (Easy)
  • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, yolks, pecorino, and pepper. The mixture should be thick and creamy.

    ⏱️ 3 min Skill: (Easy)
  • Cook guanciale in a cold pan over medium heat until fat renders and meat is crispy. Starting in a cold pan helps render the fat slowly.

    ⏱️ 8 min Skill: (Intermediate)
  • Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.

    Skill: (Beginner)
  • Remove pan from heat. Add pasta to guanciale and toss. The pan must be OFF the heat.

    ⏱️ 1 min Skill: (Intermediate)
  • Slowly add egg mixture while tossing vigorously. Add pasta water as needed. This is the tricky part - too hot and eggs scramble.

    ⏱️ 2 min Skill: (Advanced)
  • Serve immediately with extra pecorino and pepper.

    ⏱️ 1 min Skill: (Beginner)

Ratings & Results

C
chef_maria · Jan 25, 2026

Taste: Flavor was good but sauce was slightly grainy.

Texture: Eggs scrambled a bit. Need to control temperature better.

Would Change: Let the pan cool more before adding egg mixture.

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Ease Breakdown

Ingredients 7 items
Equipment 5 items
Cleanup Difficulty 14
Steps 8 steps
Overall Ease Easy