Indulge in the delectable and authentic flavors of Carbonara, a classic Italian pasta dish that tantalizes taste buds with its simplicity and richness. Originating from Rome, Carbonara has captivated hearts and palates worldwide with its symphony of creamy, savory, and slightly smoky notes. This culinary masterpiece showcases a harmonious blend of spaghetti or rigatoni pasta, coated in a luscious sauce made from eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and Guanciale or Pancetta. The secret to a perfect Carbonara lies in the delicate balance of ingredients and the technique of tempering the eggs, ensuring a smooth and velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Discover the secrets to crafting this timeless dish with three exceptional Carbonara recipes that cater to various dietary preferences. Immerse yourself in the classic Carbonara experience with the Traditional Carbonara recipe, featuring crispy Guanciale and a generous helping of Pecorino Romano. For a vegetarian twist, the Vegetarian Carbonara delights with smoky roasted red peppers, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce made with vegetable broth. Those seeking a seafood variation will find solace in the Seafood Carbonara, where succulent shrimp and tender calamari dance in a flavorful seafood stock-infused sauce. Embark on a culinary journey with these three Carbonara recipes, each offering a unique take on this beloved Italian treasure.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SPAGHETTI ALLA CARBONARA: THE TRADITIONAL ITALIAN RECIPE
This dish was created in the Lazio region (the area around Rome) in the middle of the 20th century, after World War Two. We don't use cream, milk, garlic, onions or other strange ingredients; we use only guanciale, eggs, pecorino cheese, and lots of black pepper (carbonaro is the Italian for coal miner). This isn't the Italian-American version, it's the real, creamy carbonara and it comes right from Italy, where I live. Buon appetito.
Provided by ivan zeta
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add guanciale (see Cook's Note). Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Let cool, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk eggs, half of the Pecorino Romano cheese, and some black pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Pour egg mixture over pasta, stirring quickly, until creamy and slightly cooled. Stir in guanciale. Top with remaining Pecorino Romano cheese and more black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 763.7 calories, Carbohydrate 85.1 g, Cholesterol 199.8 mg, Fat 28.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 39 g, SaturatedFat 10.1 g, Sodium 1181.6 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
SPAGHETTI CARBONARA
This dish is a deli egg-bacon-and-cheese-on-a-roll that has been pasta-fied, fancified, fetishized and turned into an Italian tradition that, like many inviolate Italian traditions, is actually far less old than the Mayflower. Because America may have contributed to its creation, carbonara is Exhibit A in the back-and-forth between Italy and the United States when it comes to food. Remember: the main goal is creaminess.
Provided by Ian Fisher
Categories dinner, easy, quick, pastas, main course
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place a large pot of lightly salted water (no more than 1 tablespoon salt) over high heat, and bring to a boil. Fill a large bowl with hot water for serving, and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks and pecorino and Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and generous black pepper.
- Set the water to boil. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the pork, and sauté until the fat just renders, on the edge of crispness but not hard. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add pasta to the water and boil until a bit firmer than al dente. Just before pasta is ready, reheat guanciale in skillet, if needed. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and add to the skillet over low heat. Stir for a minute or so.
- Empty serving bowl of hot water. Dry it and add hot pasta mixture. Stir in cheese mixture, adding some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. Serve immediately, dressing it with a bit of additional grated pecorino and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 513, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 64 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 20 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 339 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams
ULTIMATE SPAGHETTI CARBONARA RECIPE
Discover how to make superb spaghetti carbonara. This cheesy pasta dish is an Italian favourite and with the right technique, you can make it perfect every time
Provided by Angela Nilsen
Categories Dinner, Main course
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Put a large saucepan of water on to boil.
- Finely chop the 100g pancetta, having first removed any rind. Finely grate 50g pecorino cheese and 50g parmesan and mix them together.
- Beat the 3 large eggs in a medium bowl and season with a little freshly grated black pepper. Set everything aside.
- Add 1 tsp salt to the boiling water, add 350g spaghetti and when the water comes back to the boil, cook at a constant simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until al dente (just cooked).
- Squash 2 peeled plump garlic cloves with the blade of a knife, just to bruise it.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, fry the pancetta with the garlic. Drop 50g unsalted butter into a large frying pan or wok and, as soon as the butter has melted, tip in the pancetta and garlic.
- Leave to cook on a medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the pancetta is golden and crisp. The garlic has now imparted its flavour, so take it out with a slotted spoon and discard.
- Keep the heat under the pancetta on low. When the pasta is ready, lift it from the water with a pasta fork or tongs and put it in the frying pan with the pancetta. Don't worry if a little water drops in the pan as well (you want this to happen) and don't throw the pasta water away yet.
- Mix most of the cheese in with the eggs, keeping a small handful back for sprinkling over later.
- Take the pan of spaghetti and pancetta off the heat. Now quickly pour in the eggs and cheese. Using the tongs or a long fork, lift up the spaghetti so it mixes easily with the egg mixture, which thickens but doesn't scramble, and everything is coated.
- Add extra pasta cooking water to keep it saucy (several tablespoons should do it). You don't want it wet, just moist. Season with a little salt, if needed.
- Use a long-pronged fork to twist the pasta on to the serving plate or bowl. Serve immediately with a little sprinkling of the remaining cheese and a grating of black pepper. If the dish does get a little dry before serving, splash in some more hot pasta water and the glossy sauciness will be revived.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 655 calories, Fat 31 grams fat, SaturatedFat 16 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 66 grams carbohydrates, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 32 grams protein, Sodium 2.02 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh eggs, flavorful bacon, and a good quality cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano will make all the difference in your Carbonara.
- Cook the bacon until it is crispy: This will give your Carbonara a smoky, bacon flavor that is to die for.
- Do not overcook the eggs: The eggs should be cooked until they are just set, but still slightly runny. This will give your Carbonara a creamy, rich texture.
- Add the cheese gradually: This will help prevent the cheese from clumping together.
- Season the Carbonara to taste: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes will help bring out the flavors of the dish.
- Serve the Carbonara immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Conclusion:
Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and loved by people all over the world. With its creamy, rich sauce, smoky bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs, Carbonara is a dish that is sure to please everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal that is also delicious, give Carbonara a try. You won't be disappointed!
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