Pasta Carbonara, a beloved Italian dish that combines pasta, eggs, cheese, and cured pork, has become a staple in the culinary world. Its creamy texture and delightful flavours have made it a favourite comfort food for many. In this recipe, we delve into the intriguing history behind this iconic dish while savouring its cultural significance. Let’s explore how Pasta Carbonara has evolved from humble origins to international acclaim.
Origins and Historical Evolution:
The exact origin of Pasta Carbonara remains a subject of debate among culinary historians. However, several theories shed light on its development and cultural influences.
The Roman Theory:
One popular theory suggests that Pasta Carbonara emerged in Rome during or just after World War II. During this period, American soldiers stationed in Italy introduced locals to their rations of bacon and eggs. The Italians incorporated these new ingredients into their pasta dishes, leading to the creation of Pasta Carbonara.
The Carbonaro Connection:
Another theory traces the roots of Carbonara to the Italian secret society “Carbonari” in the mid-19th century. It is believed that this brotherhood, fighting for Italy’s unification, inspired the dish’s name. Some assert that the black specks of pepper in the sauce resemble the coal dust used to blacken their faces, while others link the name to the Italian word “carbonaro,” meaning charcoal burner.
The Evolution of the Recipe:
Historically, Pasta Carbonara consisted of only eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork jowl), black pepper, and pasta. Over time, variations have emerged, influenced by regional preferences and the availability of ingredients. Today, you may find recipes that include pancetta instead of guanciale, and some even incorporate cream for a richer texture.
For this recipe, instead of using the typical guanciale, or pancetta – we decided to incorporate our Halenda’s Meats Award-Winning Double-Smoked Bacon, and it did not disappoint.
Pasta Carbonara is more than just a delightful combination of pasta, eggs, cheese, and cured pork. Its history is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of Italy, representing the resourcefulness and creativity of its people.
Whether you prefer the traditional Roman recipe or a modern twist, making Pasta Carbonara at home allows you to connect with the rich culinary heritage of Italy and savour a dish that has stood the test of time.
So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of Italian cooking, and indulge in the time-honoured flavours of this iconic dish. Buon Appetito!
Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 g Fettuccine
- 1 chub Halenda's Double Smoked Bacon
- 5 Eggs
- 2 cups Pecorino Romano Cheese
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Salt like the ocean!
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat and add in Halenda's Meats Double Smoked Bacon and cook slowly until crispy.
- In a large pasta bowl, beat the eggs and mix in about half of the cheese and pepper to your liking.
- Once the water has come to a boil, add your pasta and cook until cooked.
- When the pasta is al dente (still firm, but not too mushy), use tongs to move it to the bowl with eggs and cheese and mix well! Make sure you save some pasta water.
- Now add in all of your crispy Halenda's double-smoked bacon and serve hot. If needed, add in some pasta water.
- Add some bacon bits on top and of course, more cheese and pepper!