Origin
Campania — Procida island, Bay of Naples
Description
A Procida Island variation on the Roman carbonara concept: sliced zucchine (courgettes) fried in olive oil until golden and slightly caramelised, then combined off heat with beaten egg yolks, Provolone del Monaco (local sharp aged cheese), and pasta cooking water to create an emulsified, creamy sauce with no cream. The zucchine are not a replacement for guanciale but a complete reconception — the Procidana version is a summer island pasta, light and vegetable-forward while using the same egg-and-cheese emulsification technique. The courgette's moisture must be removed before the egg is added or the sauce breaks.
The Thread
Flavour Context
Lighter than classical carbonara — the vegetable sweetness of zucchine replaces guanciale's animal richness; the Provolone del Monaco adds sharpness; summer, coastal, immediate