Spaghetti Carbonara: The Traditional Recipe that Conquers the Palate

Espagueti a la Carbonara

A Classic Roman with History and Flavor 

The Spaghetti Carbonara it is one of the recipes most emblematic of the Italian cuisine. Its source is situated in the city of Rome, although there are several theories about its creation. One of the most popular suggests that this dish was invented by the tits Italiancarbonari), who were preparing a meaty meal, and energy with ingredients that are easy to carry and transport. Another version suggests that the american soldiers during the Second World War, to discover the Pecorino Romano cheese and bacon, they began to mix with the eggs and the pasta, giving rise to the recipe that we know today. 

Beyond its history, the Spaghetti Carbonara noted for its perfect balance between flavor and texture. The creaminess of the sauce it is obtained exclusively with the emulsion of the egg and the cheese, without the need for cream, which highlights the authenticity of Italian cuisine. This dish is not only delicious, but also an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, perfect for a balanced diet. 


Ingredients
 

To enjoy a true Spaghetti Carbonarayou will need: 

  • 400 g spaghetti 
  • 4 fresh eggs (preferably 2 whole and 2 yolks) 
  • 100 g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated 
  • 150 g pancetta or guanciale into pieces 
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste 
  • Salt to taste 


Preparation
 

  1. Cooking the pasta: Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted water until they are al dente. Reserve a little of the cooking water before draining. 
  2. Preparation of the guanciale: In a pan without oil, brown the pancetta or guanciale over medium heat until crisp. Remove from heat and reserve. 
  3. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk eggs and yolks together with the Pecorino Romano cheese and a generous amount of black pepper. 
  4. Incorporation of the ingredients: Add the hot pasta to the pan with the guanciale and mix well. Remove from the heat and add the mixture of eggs and cheese, stirring quickly to prevent the egg to coagulate. 
  5. Adjustment of texture: If necessary, add a little of the cooking water reserved in order to achieve a sauce more creamy. 
  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately with more cheese Pecorino and freshly ground black pepper. 


Nutritional information per Serving
 

  • Calories: 520 kcal 
  • Proteins: 22 g 
  • Fat: 26 g 
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g 
  • Fiber: 2 g 

 

Benefits of Spaghetti Carbonara 

This dish is not only a delight, but also provides nutritional benefits that are important: 

  • Protein source: Thanks to the eggs and cheese, this recipe is excellent for muscle recovery. 
  • Sustained energy: Pasta provides carbohydrates slower absorption, ideal for maintaining energy during the day. 
  • Healthy fats: The guanciale provide fats are essential for proper functioning of the body. 


Variations of the Recipe
 

While the original recipe is second to none, there are some interesting variations: 

  • Carbonara with cream: In some countries it is customary to add cream to make it more creamy, although this is not part of the traditional recipe. 
  • Vegetarian: You can substitute the bacon for mushrooms or zucchini stir-fry. 
  • Carbonara with truffle: Add a little truffle grated elevates this dish to another level of sophistication. 


Tips for the Carbonara Perfect
 

  1. Uses authentic ingredients: The Pecorino Romano cheese and guanciale are key to the original flavor. 
  2. Don't use whipped cream: The creaminess must come from the emulsion of the egg with the cheese and the fat of the guanciale. 
  3. Removes out of the fire: To prevent the eggs become scrambled eggs, mix the sauce with the pasta out of the direct heat. 
  4. Serve immediately: The Carbonara is meant to be enjoyed in the moment, to take advantage of its perfect texture. 


Conclusion
 

The Spaghetti Carbonara it's a recipe that combines history, tradition and a unique taste. With the right ingredients and the right techniques, you can enjoy an authentic Italian dish at home. Do you dare to prepare it? Leave us a comment with your experience or share your variation favorite, this classic recipe. ¡Buon appetito! 

Learn more about Italian Cuisine in our article:

Italian cuisine: 10 Dishes to Classic and How to Cook them

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