Spaghetti alla Carbonara (no cream)

My take on spaghetti alla carbonara with bacon and specs of blue cheese

Adapted from Chef Antonio Carluccio's recipe, my version of carbonara that is not quite traditional yet not quite the cream-based American-Italian version either. It's a really satisfyingly creamy dish that comprises of minimal ingredients and minimal wash-up afterwards, so it really is the perfect mid-week meal! And carbonara is always a people pleaser!

Traditionally, instead of bacon, Guanciale (pork cheek cured similar to pancetta) would be used but I generally use bacon for its easy accessibility. Parmesan or pecorino is also the original go-to but, like all of my recipes, where I can, I will offer substitutes and since sharp cheddar and tasty cheese are most commonly found in Australian households this will be perfect.
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Spaghetti alla Carbonara (no cream)

(serves 2)

Ingredients:

          250g spaghetti
          30g bacon (I use middle rasher)
          1 tbsp. olive oil (or any cooking oil)
          2 eggs, lightly beaten
          50g any sharp hard cheese, grated (I used sharp cheddar, tasty and blue cheese)
          Black pepper
          Salt (to season, I used approx. 1/2 tsp.)

Method:

1.  Cook the pasta in a medium pot to al dente
2. When the pasta's almost done, fry the bacon and oil in a large heavy-based pan
3. In a medium bowl, lightly beat together eggs, cheese, pepper and salt
4. Transfer pasta directly from the pot to the pan and toss in bacon
5. Remove the pan from heat
6. Pour egg mixture into the pan and mix well (the residual heat will be enough to cook the egg through)
7. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese and pepper

****Tips: 

- Any hard cheese be substituted for the traditional parmesan and pecorino
- The better quality bacon, the better flavour it will impart on your carbonara (particularly since it's a dish that has so few ingredients). Lower grade bacon will only just add saltiness to your dish and not a full flavour

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I'd love to see your versions of my recipes if you try them! Feel free to send them through to my email address; on Instagram with the tag (@unadornedeats) and/or hash-tag (#unadornedeats); or attach them to a comment below!

Love and luck in your cooking!

- Unadorned Eats

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References:

- http://www.antonio-carluccio.com/Spaghetti_alla_Carbonara