In the last few weeks, my Facebook homepage was literally flooded with comments on a video, originally shared by a french website, that shows how to make "pasta alla Carbonara" by simply putting all the ingredients in a pot with boiling water and adding a raw egg on top at the end.
While the world seemed stunned by the simplicity and tastyness of the recipe, Italians all around the globe raised an lament of horror and started an infinite number of conversations about it, amplifying the already huge stereotype of Italians being very touchy and oversensitive about their food.
Oddly, imho this is not just a stereotype and most importantly, it's not something I am offended by.
It's true: you could question everything about our Country, from politics to economy, just don't question our culinary traditions.
If you ever had an Italian friend or housemate or you spent some time in Italy, you may know that almost 50% of our daily conversations with friends and family revolve around the meals we had or we are about to prepare. For us, food is not just something we eat to survive, it is a huge part of our culture, it's bonding, it's a status symbol. It speaks volumes about the city or town we were born or raised in, about our family heritage and the stories that our grandmas passed on, alongside the recipes.
The "pasta alla Carbonara" is one of those recipes that hold within amazing stories and misteries about their origins or their name, there are at least 5 or 6 theories about it and many towns claim to be its birthplace. There are also some internal "feuds" about the runnyness of the egg, the use of bacon instead of cheeklard, which type of pasta is the best for the recipe and so on... and mind that this is one of the simplest recipe we have!
One thing we all agree on: bacon must be crunchy and not mushy - so it must not be boiled- and the egg must be incorporated as a sauce and not as a garnish!
You see, this is not about the recipe: this is about the continuity of the Italian habit to take the time to care about every single detail. Preparing a meal, for us, is not about putting everything together and be done in 5 minutes, it's about tasting and enjoying every step of the process, maybe while drinking a glass of wine or talking to our friends and family for whom we are cooking - even on the phone if they're away.
So if you want to learn how to cook "italian", learn how to care italian: that's one recipe that never fails!
Post
23 commenti
I missed the video, but yes! Crispy bacon is a must and egg as part of the sauce. I cannot imagine adding a raw egg to the cooked pasta and hoping to have a perfect Carbonara!
RispondiEliminaI didn't see the video but I know that Italians are incredibly passionate about food, and rightly so as their food is probably some of the best in the world- and it's probably down to the care and love they put into each element of a meal
RispondiEliminaYes, we definitely are and I can see that we can seem a little obsessed sometime :)
EliminaAmusing! But it's true, when I think of Italians I immediately think of their passion for cooking and big family meals!
RispondiEliminaYou know, I have actually tried once to make the miracle "one pot basil tomato pasta". It was a total disaster, the pasta ended up overbooked and the sauce... simply disgusting. It wasn't actually a sauce but more of a thick broth. I swore then I will never do this again. I like my pasta al dente and the sauce nice and fresh, seasoned as it should!
RispondiEliminaI never heard of that one but I can see why it turned out bad. I don't know why a dish so simple as pasta with tomato sauce should be treated like this. Anyway great resolution Joanna, that's the spirit!
EliminaI have never been able to make carbonara in one pot before either but I am not quite as shocked as I am not Italian. I can see how when you have mastered the art of something it could be irritating when someone tries to quicken the process.
RispondiEliminaHi Alison! Yes, I think that everyone who created something always feels disoriented when someone else tries to make it differently :)
EliminaAmazing post, never thought and came across this information. Italian food is really special, I enjoy greatly in it.
RispondiEliminaThank you David! I hope I gave some insight from the Italian perspective :D
EliminaWow! Haven't seen the video..will see it. But I like the habit to take the time to care about every single detail - it makes things better!
RispondiEliminaAbsolutely, not just food :)
EliminaOne pot meals are great how do you think I make my famous spag bol, in one pot of course! I love Italian food.
RispondiEliminaIf it works it's only a good thing, especially if you're in a hurry! I just think there are some things that taste better when they're done with more time and care :D
EliminaBecause Italians love to keep the traditional recipes. Never tried the one pot carbonara but as a foodie I feel obliged to try it out !! Thanks for sharing
RispondiEliminaHi Denni! Of course, everything needs to be tried in order to be criticized or praised! ;)
EliminaI never saw the video! As a mother of two young ones though the one pot meal can be a time saver. But most of the time I work on making a complete well thought out meal.
RispondiEliminaHi Carrie! I can see that with two children it could be a great solution :D
EliminaI love italian food. I make it every week for my family. I even bought a pasta maker to make everything from scratch.
RispondiEliminaWow, that's a great way to approach Italian cousine, great work!!!!
EliminaI never saw this video. I love Italian food but I can't imagine adding a raw egg.
RispondiEliminaI will keep that ending tip! Reminded me of an Italian guy I met on what he could say about how Filipinos add Sausage to our Spaghetti (Pasta-like). He said Italians never did that. LOL
RispondiEliminaIn our country, every food is made with love that's why we value every Pinoy Recipe we have. I do understand how you feel coz it's also the same here. But since we are in a changing world, we must also learn to accept changes like these "instant" foods.
RispondiElimina