Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Pasta alla Carbonara with Spring Onions and Lemon -- 03/07/11

Pasta alla Carbonara with Spring Onions and Lemon

Ingredients

  • Salt
  • 1 pound egg tagliatelle
  • 3 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/3 pound pancetta, chopped into fine dice
  • About 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small Fresno chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped, optional
  • 1 bunch spring onions (scallions), finely chopped, whites and greens separated
  • Zest and juice of 1 large, ripe organic lemon, divided
  • About 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 3/4 to 1 cup dry white wine
  • 3 large organic egg yolks
  • A handful of flat-leaf parsley, very finely chopped
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, a couple of handfuls
  • Freshly grated Pecorino Romano, a couple of handfuls

Yields: Serves 4, or 1 if it is my husband John

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Add salt and cook pasta to al dente. Reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of starchy water just before draining pasta.

Step

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with EVOO, 3 turns of the pan. Add pancetta, season with black pepper and brown lightly. Stir in garlic, chili, whites of chopped green onions, lemon zest and thyme. Stir 2-3 minutes then add wine, a couple turns of the pan, and reduce by half, 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

When pasta is about ready, in a bowl, beat reserved starchy water with egg yolks to temper them.

Add lemon juice, parsley and greens of onions to skillet.

Step

Drain pasta and add to skillet. Turn off heat, pour in tempered eggs and sprinkle in a small handful of each of the cheeses. Toss vigorously, 1-2 minutes, until sauce coats pasta and is thick and shiny. Serve in shallow bowls with a little extra cheese on top.