Carbonara Recipe is a classic Italian pasta dish that is creamy, rich, and incredibly satisfying. Originating from Rome, this simple yet delicious recipe typically consists of spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. The key to a perfect carbonara is achieving a velvety sauce that coats each strand of pasta without scrambling the eggs. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests at a dinner party. With its indulgent flavors and easy preparation, carbonara has become a staple in many households worldwide. Follow this recipe to create an authentic carbonara that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
What is Carbonara?
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, pancetta or guanciale, and black pepper. The creamy sauce is created by blending beaten eggs with the hot pasta, resulting in a rich and velvety texture. The key to a perfect Carbonara is achieving the right balance of flavors and ensuring the eggs are cooked just enough to create a luscious coating for the pasta. Enjoy this indulgent and comforting dish as a satisfying meal any time of day.
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Video of Carbonara
| Prep Time | 20 minutes of hands-on prep |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes to cook bacon and boil pasta |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of people around the world. This creamy and indulgent dish has a rich history, originating in Rome in the mid-20th century. The exact origins of Carbonara are unclear, with some attributing it to Italian coal workers and others to American soldiers during WWII.
Despite its mysterious beginnings, Carbonara has become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. Its popularity can be attributed to its simple yet flavorful ingredients – pasta, eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy and savory sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Whether enjoyed in a traditional Italian trattoria or whipped up at home using a classic Carbonara Recipe, this dish is sure to satisfy any pasta lover’s cravings. Its timeless appeal lies in its comforting simplicity and irresistible taste, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide.
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Carbonara Ingredients
For a truly authentic and delicious Carbonara recipe, fresh and high-quality ingredients are key. Start with beautiful, large, organic eggs, rich and nutty Pecorino Romano cheese, and perfectly cured pancetta or guanciale. Be sure to have freshly cracked black pepper on hand, as well as al dente spaghetti or bucatini pasta. The combination of these fresh and varied ingredients will result in a creamy, savory, and satisfying Carbonara dish that will have your taste buds singing.
- 8 oz spaghetti: long, thin pasta noodles
- 4 oz pancetta: Italian bacon, cubed or thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 2 large eggs: beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Olive oil: for cooking
How to Make Carbonara
To prepare a delicious Carbonara recipe, start by cooking pancetta or guanciale until crispy. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, cheese, and black pepper. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then toss in the pancetta and egg mixture off the heat to prevent scrambling. Add pasta water gradually to create a creamy sauce. Serve immediately and garnish with extra cheese and pepper.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
- In a large skillet, cook 1/2 pound of diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot, tossing to combine with the pancetta.
- Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti, stirring constantly to evenly coat the noodles.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Continue to stir the spaghetti over low heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the eggs to cook and the sauce to thicken.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Serve the carbonara hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade carbonara!
Tips for Making Carbonara
When it comes to making a delicious Carbonara recipe, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to use high-quality ingredients such as fresh eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pancetta or guanciale. Next, make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to ensure the perfect texture. Finally, when combining the pasta with the egg and cheese mixture, be sure to do so off the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create a creamy and flavorful Carbonara dish that will impress your guests.
- Use guanciale instead of pancetta for a more traditional flavor in your carbonara.
- Cook the pasta al dente so it can continue to cook when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs and cheese mixture to the hot pasta to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more intense flavor.
- Mix the pasta and sauce off the heat to prevent the eggs from overcooking.
- Let the pasta sit for a minute before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with additional cheese and parsley for a finishing touch.
Directions for Making Carbonara
For a delicious and creamy Carbonara pasta dish, start by boiling a pot of water and cooking spaghetti until al dente. In a separate pan, cook diced pancetta until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the pancetta, tossing to combine. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, allowing the residual heat to cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. Serve hot and garnish with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley. Enjoy this classic Italian dish!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, cook 4 ounces of diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- While pancetta is cooking, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Once pancetta is crispy, remove from skillet and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup of the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the reserved fat, tossing to coat evenly.
- Gradually pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot spaghetti, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pancetta back into the skillet and continue to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the spaghetti, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the Carbonara immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
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Nutrition Facts of Carbonara
This delicious Carbonara Recipe is not only satisfying to your taste buds, but also provides essential nutrients for your body. Each serving contains 450 calories, 12g of protein, 20g of fat, and 50g of carbohydrates. With only 6g of sugar and 4g of fiber, this dish is a balanced and flavorful choice for a hearty meal.
| Calories | 830 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 44g |
| Saturated Fat | 19g |
| Cholesterol | 230mg |
| Carbohydrates | 72g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 790mg |
Conclusion on Carbonara Recipe
In conclusion, Carbonara is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy sauce, savory bacon, and rich cheese create a flavorful meal that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to serve guests, Carbonara is a great choice that is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
For serving ideas, you can garnish your Carbonara with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Not only is Carbonara delicious, but it also offers some nutritional benefits. The eggs provide protein, while the bacon adds a savory touch. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe with different ingredients to suit your preferences. Give Carbonara a try today and enjoy a mouthwatering meal that is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.