Spaghetti Alla Carbonara (Mario Batali)

A classic Italian dish from Mario Batali.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 8  ounces pancetta (may substitute guanciale or good bacon)
• 1  lb spaghetti
• 1 1⁄4 cups  freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 4  large eggs, separated
•  fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring 6 quarts of water to boil in a large pot, and add 2 tablespoons salts.
2. Meanwhile, combine the olive oil and pancetta in a 12- to 14-inch sauté pan set over medium heat, and cook until the pancetta has rendered its fat and is crispy and golden. Remove from the heat and set aside (do not drain the fat).
3. Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until just al dente. Scoop out ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta.
4. Add the reserved pasta water to the pan with the pancetta, then toss in the pasta and heat, shaking the pan, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, add 1 cup of the Parmigiano, the egg whites, and pepper to taste, and toss until thoroughly mixed.
5. Divide the pasta among four warmed serving bowls. Make a nest in the center of each one, and gently drop an egg yolk into each nest. Season the egg yolks with more pepper and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmigiano over the top. Serve immediately.