Delia Smith Carbonara

Delia Smith’s Carbonara is made with linguini or spaghetti, smoked pancetta, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, double cream, and freshly milled black pepper. This delicious Carbonara recipe creates a hearty dinner that takes about 25 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Delia Smith Carbonara Ingredients

• 225g (8 oz) dried linguini or spaghetti (good quality pasta, look for ‘pasta di semola di grano duro’)
• 150g (5 oz) sliced smoked pancetta
• 2 large eggs, plus 2 extra yolks
• 4 tablespoons Pecorino Romano, finely grated, plus extra to serve
• 4 tablespoons double cream (heavy cream in the US)
• Freshly milled black pepper

How To Make Delia Smith Carbonara

1. Prepare Serving Bowls: Heat some pasta bowls ready for serving.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large saucepan, heat 2.25 liters (2.4 quarts) of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook briskly, uncovered for 9-10 minutes until al dente.
3. Cook Pancetta: Meanwhile, heat a frying pan and fry the pancetta without extra oil until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Mix Sauce: Whisk the eggs, yolks, and cream (heavy cream) with a generous seasoning of black pepper in a jug. Whisk in the cheese.
5. Combine: Drain pasta quickly, leaving some moisture. Return pasta to the saucepan, add pancetta and any oil from the pan, and the egg and cream mixture. Stir thoroughly so the egg cooks briefly with the hot pasta.
6. Serve: Serve pasta on hot deep plates with extra grated Pecorino Romano.

Recipe Tips

• Use Quality Pasta: Choose good quality pasta labeled ‘pasta di semola di grano duro’ for the best texture and flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the pasta until it is al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: Save a small amount of pasta water before draining. Adding a little to the sauce can help achieve a creamier texture.
• Mix Quickly: Combine the pasta with the pancetta and sauce quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling and to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta right after mixing with the sauce while it’s hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

What To Serve With Carbonara?

This creamy Carbonara pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. It can also be served alongside a side of peas, a simple Caprese salad, sautéed mushrooms, or a light vegetable soup for a delicious dinner.

How To Store Leftovers Carbonara?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover Carbonara cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Carbonara can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta may change upon reheating. To freeze, cool the dish completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftovers Carbonara?

• In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Put the Carbonara in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring once or twice.
• In The Microwave: Put the Carbonara in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely and heat on medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• On The Stove: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water or a small amount of cream. Add the Carbonara and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Delia Smith Carbonara Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)

• Calories: 625
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 195mg
• Sodium: 825mg
• Potassium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 61g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 23g

Try More Delia Smith Recipes:

• Delia Smith Lasagne Ragu Recipe
• Delia Smith Braised Meatballs With Peppers And Tomatoes
• Delia Smith Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
• Delia Smith Shortbread Biscuits