Double-Boiler Speck & Parmesan Carbonara

A foolproof method that uses indirect steam to create an impossibly glossy, velvety "carbo crema" without any risk of scrambling the eggs. This family-friendly twist features deeply savory, smoky speck and a milder, sweet Parmesan base that coats every single strand of spaghetti to perfection.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Whisk your 3 egg yolks, 1 whole egg, and 100g of finely grated Parmesan in a large heatproof metal mixing bowl until it forms a thick paste.

Step 2

Crush the peppercorns using the bottom of a heavy skillet or a mortar and pestle.

Step 3

Place a frying pan over medium-low heat with 1 tsp of olive oil or butter then add the 150g of speck.

Step 4

Cook slowly until the speck is beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 5

Add the cracked black pepper into the pan with the speck fat for the last 60 seconds of cooking to toast it.

Step 6

Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour the hot rendered speck fat into your metal bowl with the egg and cheese mixture while whisking vigorously so the eggs do not scramble.

Step 7

Leave the crispy speck in the pan to keep it crunchy for later.

Step 8

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it well.

Step 9

Place your metal bowl containing the egg mixture directly over the steaming pot of water making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

Step 10

Whisk constantly for 2 to 3 minutes over the steam until the cheese melts and the mixture transforms into a warm glossy heavy cream consistency.

Step 11

Remove the bowl from the steam and set it on the counter.

Step 12

Drop the 250g of spaghetti into the boiling water.

Step 13

Cook the pasta and pull it out exactly 2 minutes before the packages al dente time.

Step 14

Scoop out 1 cup of starchy pasta water and set it aside before draining.

Step 15

Use tongs to transfer the hot dripping wet spaghetti straight into your metal bowl with the warm egg cream.

Step 16

Splash in half a cup of your reserved hot pasta water.

Step 17

Use your tongs to vigorously lift twirl and stir the spaghetti for 30 to 45 seconds until the sauce emulsifies into a smooth velvety coating.

Step 18

Fold in your crispy speck and serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top.