Everything about carbonara

Who invented carbonara?

The exact origin of carbonara is not entirely certain, and there are numerous theories about who invented it. However, the most accepted theory is that carbonara originated in Rome, Italy, during or shortly after World War II, when American soldiers introduced locals to bacon and eggs.

The dish likely evolved from another Roman pasta dish, "cacio e pepe," which consists of pasta with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Carbonara adds pancetta or bacon to the cacio e pepe, along with eggs and sometimes cream, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

Some attribute the invention of carbonara to Italian coal miners, who created the dish using ingredients they had in their lunchboxes, including eggs, bacon, and cheese. Nevertheless, this theory is not widely accepted by culinary historians.

Regardless of its origins, carbonara has become a popular Italian dish enjoyed across the world. However, there are many variations of the recipe that use different types of pasta, cheeses, and seasonings.

What is carbonara made of?

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that normally consists of spaghetti, bucatini, or rigatoni pasta mixed with a sauce made from eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pancetta or bacon. Some recipes might also include garlic, onion, cream, or other ingredients.

What is the secret to carbonara?

The secret to making a tasty carbonara is to get the sauce just right. The sauce should be creamy and velvety, without being too heavy and overpowering. Here are some top tips to help you achieve the perfect carbonara:

• Use high-quality ingredients - Since carbonara is a simple dish with just a few ingredients, it's important to use the best quality ingredients you can find. Use fresh eggs, good-quality pancetta or bacon, and high-quality Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Cook the pancetta or bacon until crispy - This will help to render the fat and add flavour to the dish. It's important to cook the pancetta or bacon slowly over medium heat to ensure that it gets crispy without burning.
• Reserve some of the pasta water - Adding a small amount of pasta water to the sauce can help to thin it out and make it creamy. It's important to reserve some of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
• Don't overcook the eggs - When adding the egg and cheese mixture to the pasta, it's important to do so off the heat and to stir constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs just enough to create a creamy sauce.
• Season with black pepper - Carbonara should be seasoned generously with black pepper, which adds a spicy kick to the dish and helps to balance the richness of the sauce.

By following these tips, you can create an authentic and delicious carbonara that will be sure to impress.

Spaghetti Carbonara at Prezzo

Looking for a delicious Italian carbonara? Look no further than Prezzo! Spaghetti served in a creamy sauce with pancetta, crispy prosciutto, and Italian hard cheese, you have the option to add chicken or turn it into a tasty al forno. Made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection by our expert chefs, it'll transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Book a table now and experience the taste of Prezzo!