Pasta Carbonara: A Rich and Creamy Italian Classic

What is Pasta Carbonara?

Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that originated in Rome. It is a simple yet delicious pasta dish that is made with spaghetti, eggs, pancetta or bacon, cheese, and black pepper. The silky carbonara sauce is created when the beaten eggs are tossed with the hot pasta and a little fat from the pancetta or bacon. The dish is rich, indulgent, and perfect for a special occasion.

History of Pasta Carbonara

The origins of Pasta Carbonara are somewhat obscure, but most sources trace its origin to the region of Lazio in Italy. The dish forms part of a family of dishes involving pasta with bacon, cheese, and pepper, one of which is pasta alla gricia. It is very similar to pasta cacio e uova, a dish dressed with melted lard and a mixture of eggs and cheese, which is documented as long ago as 1839 ¹. There are many theories for the origin of the name “carbonara,” which is likely more recent than the dish itself. Since the name is derived from carbonaro (the Italian word for “charcoal burner”), some believe the dish was first made as a hearty meal for Italian charcoal workers. In parts of the United States, this etymology gave rise to the term “coal miner’s spaghetti” ¹.

Recipe for Pasta Carbonara

Here is a recipe for Pasta Carbonara that serves 4 people:

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
2. While the spaghetti is cooking, cook the pancetta or bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the pancetta or bacon. Toss to combine.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the egg mixture. Toss quickly to combine, making sure the eggs don’t scramble.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper.

In conclusion, Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is simple to make and delicious to eat. The silky carbonara sauce is created when the beaten eggs are tossed with the hot pasta and a little fat from the pancetta or bacon. The dish is rich, indulgent, and perfect for a special occasion. When it comes to choosing between butter and oil in your recipes, consider the recipe you’re making and what you want the final product to taste and feel like. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to find the perfect fat for your recipe!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Pasta Carbonara!