Podcast
99% Invisible
The author of this book, Luca Cesari, discussed the history of carbonara in detail. He debunked the assumption that carbonara had existed since the Middle Ages, citing research and historical documents that prove the dish was actually created in the mid-1900s when American soldiers were stationed in Rome. He emphasized that many iterations of the dish were made before Italians settled on the traditional recipe we know today, with various ingredients like clams, cream, parmigiana cheese, bacon, and pancetta being used in its early versions.
We all thought that carbonara had existed forever and ever since the Middle Ages.
— Episode: 578- Anything's Pastable: Eat Sauté Love
Episode: 578- Anything's Pastable: Eat Sauté Love
The author of this book, Luca Cesari, discussed the history of carbonara in detail. He debunked the assumption that carbonara had existed since the Middle Ages, citing research and historical documents that prove the dish was actually created in the mid-1900s when American soldiers were stationed in Rome. He emphasized that many iterations of the dish were made before Italians settled on the traditional recipe we know today, with various ingredients like clams, cream, parmigiana cheese, bacon, and pancetta being used in its early versions.
We all thought that carbonara had existed forever and ever since the Middle Ages.
Today any Italian will tell you that carbonara is a pasta coated in a sauce made from guanciale, raw beaten eggs, pecorino romano cheese and black pepper.
And Luca what would happen if you went into a restaurant or any Nona's house in Italy today and said I would like traditional carbonara with chopped clams please.
They would literally take you straight to a madhouse they would put you in restraints and carry you out to a madhouse.
For decades cream was another common addition to carbonara even though Luca says most Italians today would clutch their cannolis at the thought.