Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe from Italy: Bacon, Eggs, Parmesan Cheese, and More

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that is loved for its creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. This dish is simple to make and is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

History

Spaghetti Carbonara is believed to have originated in Rome, Italy. It is said that the dish was created as a way to use up leftover eggs and bacon. The name "Carbonara" is derived from the Italian word "carbone," which means coal, and it is thought to refer to the black pepper that is used in the dish.

Ingredients

5 oz (142 g) of cubed bacon
1 tbsp of butter
3 eggs
0.5 cup of parmesan cheese
1.5 tbsp of parsley
salt to taste
2 tsp of pepper
1 lb (454 g) of spaghetti
1 jar of alfredo sauce

How to prepare

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pan.
Add diced bacon and cook until it becomes crisp and light brown.
In a bowl, beat the eggs along with the Parmesan cheese and pepper.
Add parsley and stir.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the bacon mixture.
Turn the heat very low and add the egg/cheese mixture, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes until the eggs are heated through.
They will lose their glassy appearance.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as peas or asparagus to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or chicken sausage instead of traditional bacon.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy to add a nice crunch to the dish.

- When adding the egg and cheese mixture to the pasta, be sure to stir constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

- For a creamier sauce, you can add a jar of alfredo sauce to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spaghetti Carbonara with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a good Spaghetti Carbonara is to cook the bacon until it is crispy and to stir the egg and cheese mixture constantly to create a creamy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon, you can use pancetta or prosciutto instead. You can also use different types of cheese such as pecorino or Romano.

Make Ahead Tips

You can cook the bacon and prepare the egg and cheese mixture ahead of time to save time when making the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with some extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Spaghetti Carbonara pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Spaghetti Carbonara typically contains around 600-700 calories.

Carbohydrates

Spaghetti Carbonara typically contains around 60 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Spaghetti Carbonara is a rich dish that contains a good amount of fats, mainly from the bacon, butter, and cheese.

Proteins

This dish provides a decent amount of protein, with around 20 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Spaghetti Carbonara is not particularly high in vitamins and minerals, but it does contain some calcium and iron from the cheese and bacon.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (cheese), eggs, and pork (bacon), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Spaghetti Carbonara is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in calories, fats, and proteins. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Summary

Spaghetti Carbonara is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its creamy sauce and savory bacon, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to Italy and was eager to share her newfound culinary treasures with me.

As I watched her effortlessly whip up a batch of Spaghetti Carbonara, the intoxicating aroma of sizzling pancetta and garlic filled the air. The sound of pasta boiling in a pot of salted water was music to my ears. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

Maria explained to me that Spaghetti Carbonara was a classic Roman dish that dated back to the days of World War II. During the war, Italian cooks would make this simple yet decadent pasta dish using just a few basic ingredients: pasta, eggs, pancetta, cheese, and black pepper. It was a humble yet incredibly satisfying meal that could be whipped up in a pinch.

I watched in awe as Maria tossed the cooked spaghetti with crispy pancetta, sautéed garlic, and a generous amount of grated Pecorino Romano cheese. She then added a mixture of beaten eggs and more cheese to the hot pasta, creating a creamy and luxurious sauce that coated every strand.

As Maria plated the Spaghetti Carbonara and garnished it with freshly cracked black pepper, I could hardly contain my excitement. I took my first bite and was immediately transported to pasta heaven. The rich, velvety sauce clung to the noodles like a warm embrace, while the salty pancetta added a satisfying crunch with every bite.

From that moment on, I knew I had to learn how to make Spaghetti Carbonara for myself. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, and I set out to perfect it in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Spaghetti Carbonara countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own taste. I have added a touch of cream for extra richness, experimented with different cheeses, and even substituted bacon for pancetta in a pinch.

But no matter how many times I have made this dish, it always brings me back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen. It reminds me of the joy of cooking and sharing a good meal with loved ones.

I have passed down the recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara to my children and grandchildren, who have come to love it just as much as I do. It has become a staple in our family gatherings, a dish that brings us together and warms our hearts.

As I sit here reminiscing about my journey with Spaghetti Carbonara, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life. The joy of cooking, the bond of friendship, and the comfort of a good meal shared with loved ones.

And so, I will continue to whip up batch after batch of Spaghetti Carbonara, savoring each bite and cherishing the memories it brings. For me, this dish will always be more than just pasta and sauce – it is a taste of Italy, a reminder of friendship, and a symbol of love.