Italian cuisine is one of the most beloved cuisines in the world, with its simple yet flavorful dishes that everyone can enjoy. One dish that stands out from the rest is the classic pasta carbonara.

But did you know that the carbonara that you may have tasted in the past might not be the authentic version?.

What is Carbonara?

Carbonara is a pasta dish that originated from the Lazio region of Italy. The dish consists of spaghetti or another long pasta, eggs, pancetta or bacon, and Pecorino Romano cheese.

The sauce is made by combining beaten eggs and cheese, which are then added to a pan with crispy pancetta or bacon fat. The heat from the pan cooks the eggs, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the noodles.

The Mistake

The most common mistake when creating pasta carbonara is the addition of cream. Many recipes call for heavy cream to be added to the beaten eggs and cheese mixture, creating a richer and creamier sauce.

However, this addition of cream is not a part of the authentic recipe and is actually an American variation.

Another mistake is the use of garlic in the dish. Garlic is not a common ingredient in carbonara but is often added to the dish by those who think it will enhance the flavor.

In reality, the addition of garlic can overpower the delicate flavor of the eggs and cheese, taking away from the dish’s authenticity.

The Authentic Recipe

The traditional recipe for pasta carbonara only calls for pasta, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and pancetta or bacon. The sauce is created by beating the eggs and cheese together in a bowl and then adding it to a pan with crispy pancetta or bacon fat.

The heat from the pan cooks the eggs, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the noodles.

There are a few tricks to creating the perfect carbonara. Firstly, it is essential to cook the spaghetti or other long pasta so that it is al dente.

Overcooked pasta will not hold up well in the sauce, and undercooked pasta will not absorb the flavors correctly. Secondly, it is important to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water to add to the dish if needed. Lastly, the pan should be removed from the heat before the eggs are added to the pasta.

This will prevent overcooking and curdling of the eggs, resulting in a smooth and silky sauce.

Variations

While the traditional version of pasta carbonara is delicious on its own, there are a few variations that you can try to add some extra flavor to the dish.

One popular variation is the addition of peas to the dish. The sweetness of the peas complements the salty pancetta and Pecorino Romano cheese, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Another variation is the substitution of bacon for pancetta, which has a slightly smokier flavor.

The Bottom Line

Pasta carbonara is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that everyone should try at least once. While the American version may be creamier and more flavorful, the authentic version is still worth trying.

By following the traditional recipe, you can experience the true flavors of Italy and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.