Tips: make a delicious zucchini carbonara
We offer a few useful tips and tricks to help you make the best zucchini carbonara.
Explore zucchinis of different colors
Adding a mix of zucchinis to your carbonara brings vibrant colors. For visual appeal, use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to slice both yellow and green zucchinis into ribbon-like strands. These ribbons mix well with the spaghetti, providing a striking contrast of colors that is as delightful to look at as it is to taste.
Select the right zucchinis
When selecting zucchinis, make sure to pick the best quality to ensure the dish turns out both flavorful and appealing. The zucchinis should feel solid and firm to the touch; any softness or mushiness can indicate they are overripe or dehydrated. You want zucchinis with smooth, glossy surfaces without any nicks, cuts, or blemishes. The color should be a vibrant green, although some varieties may be slightly yellowish or pale green, which is fine as long as the skin looks unblemished.
Discover our easy zucchini carbonara recipe
Our zucchini carbonara is a fresh vegetable take on the classic carbonara. Fried zucchini strips join the spaghetti and are coated in a deliciously creamy sauce. We have added tasty green peas for extra color and texture.
Traditional carbonara, renowned for its simple yet flavorful ingredients, has been a favorite for decades. While our version introduces a fresher, greener take, we have made sure it stays true to its origins.
Fried zucchini strips and green peas
Frying the zucchini strips in butter and rapeseed oil gives them a delightful texture – slightly crisp on the outside yet tender inside. This step imparts a rich, nutty flavor to the dish, adding depth. The addition of frozen green peas introduces a burst of earthy sweetness and contributes to the visual appeal of the zucchini carbonara, giving it a fresh, green look. A simple squeeze of lemon juice adds a welcome touch of brightness, contrasting beautifully with the rich creaminess of the dish.
For more pasta dishes with vegetables, try our Spinach and Zucchini Lasagna with Béchamel Sauce or Homemade Beef Lasagna with Vegetables. We also have several vegetable carbonara variations, like the creamy mushroom carbonara and the easy vegetarian carbonara.
Coated in a creamy sauce with egg yolk on top
While a classic carbonara typically uses just eggs and cheese for the sauce, adding a little cooking cream can go a long way. The cooking cream melds with the cheese to form a soother, velvet sauce that richly coats the spaghetti and vegetables. Just before serving, we top each portion with an egg yolk and mix it into the warm pasta. The result is an extra luscious sauce that is both delightful and exciting to present to your guests.
Experiment with the ingredients
If you like a meaty depth to your carbonara, try adding beef bacon. Its savory and salty flavor pair well with the rich sauce and sweet vegetables. Salmon is also a great choice, and you can use both smoked or fresh salmon for a rich and savory taste. For a simpler variation, switch out the pasta with another type. Tagliatelle remains a popular choice because of how well the creamy sauce adheres to the pasta.
