Carbonara Day

When:
🗓️ April 6

Where:
🌐 Everywhere

Since:
2017

Created by the Italian Association of Confectionery and Pasta Industries & the International Pasta Organization in 2017
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Carbonara is a staple in many kitchens around the world. It’s creamy, it’s savory, and it’s downright delicious. But as much as we love bacon, it’s important to remember that it’s not always healthy, and it’s not nice to eat pigs. But fear not! There is a way to enjoy the deliciousness of carbonara without the guilt and we all can enjoy Carbonara Day at the same dinner table.

What is Carbonara and What Makes it Special?

Carbonara is a pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, pecorino cheese, black pepper and bacon or pancetta.
It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that can be made in just a few minutes. But unlike other pasta dishes that rely on heavy tomato or cream-based sauces, Carbonara is light and simple, allowing the flavors of the individual ingredients to shine. The eggs and cheese are mixed together to form a creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti, and the crispy bacon adds a salty kick.
If carbonara were an angel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, it would be a saucy and savory angel with a devilish streak.

The origin of the name “carbonara” is uncertain, and there are several theories about its origins.
One theory suggests that the name comes from the Italian word “carbonaro,” which means “charcoal burner.” Charcoal burners were known for their hearty, rustic dishes, and it’s possible that the dish was named after them.
Another theory suggests that the name comes from the use of black pepper in the dish, which resembles specks of coal.
Yet another theory suggests that the dish was created for Italian coal miners, who needed a filling and portable meal for their long shifts in the mines.

The Origin of Carbonara Day

In 2017, the Italian Association of Confectionery and Pasta Industries, in collaboration with the International Pasta Organization, declared April 16th as Carbonara Day, a day to celebrate and honor the beloved pasta dish that has become a staple in Italian cuisine and beyond.
Carbonara Day is now celebrated every year on April 16th, when the weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and the world feels a little bit brighter.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to gather with friends and indulge in some delicious pasta.

How to Celebrate Carbonara Day

To celebrate Carbonara Day, invite your friends and family over for a pasta party!
Whip up a big batch of carbonara and serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can add in some garlic, parsley, or even a splash of white wine.
And if you’re vegan, don’t worry – there are plenty of delicious vegan carbonara recipes out there. Just substitute the bacon with vegan bacon or mushrooms, and you can even use a plant-based cheese.
And don’t forget to pair it with a nice glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Safety Tips for Carbonara Day

Now, before you dive headfirst into your plate of Carbonara, let’s talk about safety. Sure, it may seem like a harmless dish, but those slippery noodles can be a hazard if you’re not careful.
And don’t forget about the dangers of consuming too much bacon – it may taste delicious, but it’s not exactly great for your health. So, be sure to pace yourself, take breaks for some fun exercises, and maybe even consider trying a turkey or tempeh bacon instead.
And remember, if you’re inviting pets over to celebrate with you, make sure to keep any bacon or pancetta out of their reach.

In conclusion

Carbonara Day is a celebration of all things delicious and pasta-y. So grab a bowl of spaghetti, mix in some eggs and cheese, and top it off with some crispy bacon or alternative.
And if anyone asks you why you’re celebrating, just tell them Wild Calendar gave you permission to do so.
Happy Carbonara Day!

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Here’s a recipe for Tempeh Carbonara that uses tempeh bacon as a substitute for traditional bacon.
Thin sliced tempeh can be baked as crispy as bacon and the added flavors prove that the flavor of fried bacon is not a very complicated flavor at all. It’s just fatty crisps with a salty umami flavor! :

Ingredients:

8 oz. spaghetti
8 oz. tempeh, sliced thinly
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp. liquid smoke or a knife point of smoked paprika
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, or another plant based milk or cream that you like
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (the curly type)
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, liquid smoke or smoked paprika, and maple syrup. Add sliced tempeh to the bowl and toss until well coated. Marinate for 30 minutes or longer.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tempeh and cook until crispy and browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add almond milk, nutritional yeast, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Whisk until well combined.
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Divide the spaghetti between bowls and top with tempeh bacon and chopped parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and animal-friendly Tempeh Carbonara!

Note:
If you don’t mind eating a little bit of fish then you could consider replacing the soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce for a stronger umami flavor in the tempeh.
You can also add some vegetables such as peas or sautéed mushrooms to this dish for added flavor and nutrition.

#CarbonaraDay #CarebonaraDay #NationalCarbonaraDay