Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Old Crank

(5,672 posts)
Tue Mar 4, 2025, 10:48 AM Mar 4

Made the 4 Roman pastas.

Not all at once.

Pasta alla Gricia, Speck and pepper plus cheese for serving.
Cacio e pepe, Cheese and pepper
Carbonara, Speck, egg and cheese
Al'amatriciana, Speck, onion, garlic, and cheese

I got a hold of the special speck, Guanciale, from the pig's jowls, pricey. and used the prescribed Pecorino Romano.

All are very good and quite simple to make. Generally inexpensive, except for the speck, but not much is used.
The tricky part is combinign the cheese into the sauce without it forming little balls of rubber.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Made the 4 Roman pastas. (Original Post) Old Crank Mar 4 OP
I've only ever had Cacio e pepe CanonRay Mar 4 #1
If you have Carbonara Old Crank Mar 5 #2
I can't get speck where I live. CanonRay Mar 5 #3
Quality thick cut bacon, lightly smoked would work. Old Crank Mar 5 #4

Old Crank

(5,672 posts)
2. If you have Carbonara
Wed Mar 5, 2025, 03:29 PM
Mar 5

make sure it is not a cream sauce.
In Italy it is speck, eggs and parmesan, and some pepper late.
The 4 are all great but you must get good ingrediaents, and grate the cheese yourself fresh.

If you can find it, the Guanciale spec, from pork jowls.

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.

Tell me more...

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Cooking & Baking»Made the 4 Roman pastas.