Serves 6
6 slices raw smoked ham – proscuitto, westphalian, country-smoked pork, or Canadian bacon
2 T olive oil
1 lb spaghetti
6 eggs
Cracked black pepper
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Boil 3 quarts of water, add 1 T oil. Add 1 lb or pasta when water is frantically boiling. Cook for half the usual time. Let sit uncovered for 10 minutes and serve with a strainer – don’t drain.
Cut ham into strips and cook in the remaining olive oil. Provide 1 egg and plenty of pepper for each person.
To serve, each person breaks his own egg over the hot pasta and mixes it up, then stir in ham, pepper, and cheese.