A generous carbonara-inspired recipe in which Artisanal Smoked Halal Beef Pancetta replaces the charcuterie traditionally used and brings its distinctive smoky notes to the dish.
There is no cream here: the smooth texture comes naturally from the emulsion of eggs, freshly grated cheese and a little pasta cooking water. The beef pancetta is cut into small batons and lightly browned, adding richness, tenderness and a delicate crispness.
A simple and indulgent halal interpretation of an Italian classic, designed to keep the pancetta at the heart of the recipe.
Preparation time
⏱️ Preparation: 10 min
🔥 Cooking: 15 min
⏳ Total: 25 min
Servings
🍽️ 2 people
Ingredients
For 2 people
- 200 g spaghetti
- 100 g Artisanal Smoked Halal Beef Pancetta
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 50 to 60 g freshly grated Pecorino or Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper
- A small amount of salt for the pasta water
- 1 cup pasta cooking water
Preparation
Remove the pancetta from the refrigerator a few minutes before starting so that it becomes more supple.
Cut it into small, fairly thick batons, similar to lardons. They should be thick enough to brown slightly on the outside while remaining tender in the centre.
Place the pancetta in a cold frying pan without adding any extra fat, then gradually bring the pan up to medium heat.
Cook gently, turning the pieces regularly, until lightly browned. The pancetta should not become dry. Set aside a few pieces for the final presentation.
Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Salt it lightly, as the pancetta and cheese will already contribute to the seasoning.
Cook the spaghetti until al dente.
In a bowl, combine the two egg yolks with the whole egg.
Add the freshly grated cheese and a generous amount of black pepper, then mix until thick and smooth.
Before draining the pasta, reserve one cup of the cooking water. The starch it contains is essential for creating the emulsion and achieving a silky sauce.
Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan with the pancetta and toss briefly so that the pasta picks up the cooking juices.
Remove the pan completely from the heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture.
Pour the mixture over the pasta and stir immediately and vigorously.
Gradually add a few spoonfuls of pasta water until you obtain a glossy, creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully.
Serve immediately.
Ask for a thicker cut for lardon-style pieces
For this recipe, slightly thicker slices of pancetta are particularly useful because they can easily be cut into small batons with a more substantial texture.
When placing your Noor Gourmet order, feel free to mention in the order notes that you would like the beef pancetta sliced more thickly for lardon-style use.
This cut makes it easier to prepare even pieces and is particularly well suited to a quick pan-fry.
The key to a creamy sauce without cream
The success of carbonara-style pasta depends primarily on temperature control.
The pasta needs to remain hot enough to melt the cheese and gently thicken the eggs, but the pan must no longer be directly over the heat when the mixture is added.
Too much heat will cause the eggs to scramble rather than form a smooth sauce.
The pasta cooking water should also be added gradually. Start with one or two spoonfuls, mix well, then adjust until the sauce becomes smooth, glossy and fluid.
It is this emulsion of eggs, cheese, starch and residual heat that creates the creaminess of the dish.
Serving suggestion
Divide the pasta immediately between two warmed deep plates.
Top with the reserved pancetta, a few shavings or a light sprinkle of freshly grated cheese and several turns of freshly ground black pepper.
Avoid adding too many extra garnishes: the appeal of this recipe lies in the balance between the pasta, the sauce and the smoky character of the beef pancetta.
Noor Gourmet tip
For pieces that are lightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside, always start cooking the pancetta in a cold pan and increase the heat gradually.
This gentle method allows the fat to soften naturally before the edges begin to brown.
Discover our Artisanal Smoked Halal Beef Pancetta and our selection of Premium Halal Charcuterie at Noor Gourmet.
