National Carbonara Day – April 6, 2027

History of National Carbonara Day

National Carbonara Day is a brand new holiday. The first National Carbonara Day was celebrated in 2017 by Barilla Pasta, a brand that makes pasta and pasta sauce. It was their way to pay homage to Italy’s greatest export and one of the most beloved dishes across the world.

There are a number of hypotheses about how the carbonara came to be. It is believed that the dish was invented by Apennine charcoal makers who would prepare themselves a filling meal using readily available ingredients. Others believe it was Ancel Keys, the “inventor” of the Mediterranean diet, who created a dish of egg yolk powder and bacon with spaghetti to increase the carbohydrate intake of the American soldiers during the Second World War. The point is, we don’t really know who invented the carbonara!

For purists, a good carbonara should contain only five ingredients: bacon, cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. That’s a deceptively simple list and if you think you can add anything else, you might receive some stern looks from the purists. Many people do not even use olive oil or any fat really because well-cut bacon will melt and provide enough fat and taste during the cooking process. But of course, there is no hard and fast rule to cooking carbonara. Some leeway is always allowed. People always figure out their personal choice in pasta, tastes, and family habits. Pasta carbonara is low in spice, easy to make, and quite healthy. You can pack it to work or enjoy it piping hot at home – it’s delicious every way!