Pasta carbonara is a traditional Italian dish made with spaghetti, pancetta or bacon, egg, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Variations may include peas, onions, chicken, or sausage, and butter or cream can be added for a richer sauce. The dish is usually garnished with parsley and served with grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
Pasta carbonara is a traditional Italian dish typically made with spaghetti, pancetta or pancetta, egg, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Variations of the recipe may also include peas, onions, chicken or sausage. Butter or cream can be added to the dish to make a richer sauce. Ground black pepper is the main seasoning in most recipes. To make pasta carbonara, al dente pasta is mixed with bacon and garlic and then a mixture of beaten egg and cheese is added to the pan.
Pancetta, or the Italian equivalent – bacon, is a main flavor component of pasta carbonara. It is cut into small pieces and cooked in a pan until the fat is rendered. When the bacon is crispy, it is typically placed on a paper towel to absorb the fat. Several tablespoons of the rendered shortening should be left in the pan for sautéing the garlic and onions used.
Spaghetti is the most common type of pasta used for pasta carbonara, but other varieties, such as fettuccine, can be substituted. This is boiled in lightly salted water until al dente. The water in which the pasta is cooked can be reserved to dilute the carbonara sauce if needed.
After the pasta is cooked and drained, it is placed in the pan with the bacon fat, garlic, and pancetta and heavily seasoned with freshly ground black pepper. The eggs are beaten in a bowl and the Parmesan is then mixed in. The pan is removed from the heat and the egg-cheese mixture is poured. The ingredients must be stirred constantly so that the eggs can thicken into a sauce without becoming scrambled.
There are several variations of the traditional carbonara pasta recipe. Proteins, such as chicken or sausage, can be added to the dish. Peas are also a common addition. Some recipes may call for the use of heavy cream or butter to make a thicker, richer sauce for the pasta. Wine or chicken stock is often included in some pasta carbonara recipes.
Pasta carbonara is usually garnished with fresh parsley. Grated Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper are also usually added just before serving the dish. This recipe is usually rich and a bit heavy, so it can be served on its own, as a meal. If you want to accompany, a fresh green salad or crusty Italian bread goes well with the dish.
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