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Should there be peas in carbonara?

Is that really classic (it's not in Marcella Hazan's recipe)? And if not, how did peas end up in there?

24 Comments:

I tried to reply before but I guess it didn't go through...

Peas do not belong in carbonara (or anywhere IMHO) and neither do onions. *makes blechy face*

Peas are not an ingredient in classic carbonara. But I like peas and it is okay with me if they are in my carbonara. We can call it something else if you would like.

No, peas should not make a cameo in carbonara. Maybe in some casserole, but not carbonara.

Mmmm, carbonara...

No peas, no onion, no mushrooms, no cream, no herbs (just s&p), and to be classicly correct, use guanciale....not pancetta and definitely not bacon.

Please do not ruin that delicious dish by putting in peas. Peas have no business being anywhere. Except maybe in the trash.

I second DCraver: Mmmmm, carbonara...

I think you may be thinking of another dish....i know I've had peas with prosciutto over pasta...put that's not carbonara.

Here's one I've made using frozen peas.

Pasta Bellissima Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter
8 ounces Canadian bacon,cut into 1/4 julienne strips
1 8 ounce jar roasted red bell peppers,drained and chopped
1/4 pound snow pea pods,cut in half digonally
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound fettucine, cooked al dente and drained


Directions
In a large skillet, melt the butter.
Add bacon and cook, stirring for 1 minute
Add peppers and pea pods.
Cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat with butter
Stir in cream, salt and pepper:heat to boiling.
Lower hear and simmer, stirring ocasionally, until sauce thickens slightly , about 3 minutes
Add Parmesan to sauce and mix until well blended.
Toss with warm fettucine and serve immediately.

@Julie- some of the "eye-talian" joints around me have put peas in their carbonara, and onions... actually most of the joints in a 10 mile radius to my house have both in theirs.

@izytart: brava! That is my reaction exactly. I love classic carbonara, but I happen to like peas (and mushrooms) too. If someone is bothered by my version, I call it "Bacon and Egg Spaghetti" and put in whatever I want! There is no classic recipe for that name.

There's Italian-Italian and then there's American-Italian.

All kinds of things happen to classic dishes once they hit American shores.

I've seen peas and ham (or prosciutto) in alfredo type sauces over pasta, but not in carbonara.

Should there be peas in carbonara?

I say, "Let there be peas on earth, and let it begin with me."

*loves peas*


Just because it's not congruent with tradition doesn't mean it -shouldn't- be present. Peas are delicious.

No, or the dish should be called something else.

I will not give peas a chance -- they give me wicked gas pain and then farts for HOURS.

Um, no. I love peas, but they don't belong in carbonara.
Now ask me what belongs in shrimp and grits... ;)

I agree with PerkyMac "Let there be peas on earth,..." I love peas (or veggies) in dishes. I feel guilty otherwise, like I'm not eating "healthy" ;o

All I am saying,,,,,,,,,,is give peas a chance.

Great with a little mint in the cooking water, by the way. ;-D

I'm with ya' there @Perk. [/makes peace sign]
...and I'm on the peas train, glide on the peas train...

Okay, classic carbonara, no they don't belong, but frankly, I prefer non-classic, with the peas. Ummmm.

Perk ~ Mint is a weed, remember?

Gosh iz, I forgot. I plant mine where I want it to take over the weeds, so it is more weed-like than weeds. Still tastes good with peas, lamb, tea, chocolate.....I could go on and on. Tarragon is a wonderful weed too. ;-D

Funny thing. I don't like tarragon either!

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