Jamie Oliver has sparked outrage on social media after he put a spin on a beloved Italian pasta dish. The celebrity chef created a vegetarian version of carbonara using leeks, prompting an outpouring of confusion from people online who said he should have given it a different name. His “sweet leek carbonara” also includes garlic, thyme, butter, olive oil, Parmesan, and an egg.
A traditional carbonara contains five ingredients: guanciale, pecorino romano (or Parmesan), eggs, salt, and pepper. Jamie posted a recipe video to his Facebook page, showing his 10 million followers how to make the unorthodox dish and drawing in nearly 800 comments. Adrian Garbus wrote: “Nothing about this recipe is carbonara related. Just don’t call it that. Call it something else.”
The recipe calls for the leeks to be simmered in a pan with butter, garlic, thyme, and water over a low heat for 40 minutes, making them sweet and soft.
Jeremy Maria added: “Leek, butter, olive oil, Parmiggiano, garlic…would have called the recipe…’La Morte Della Carbonara [Death of Carbonara].’ I love Jamie though…puts so much passion in his cooking.
“I believe Jamie Oliver needs to spend some time in Rome again…back to basics…btw Gennaro Contaldo must be furious.”
Dennis Lofstrom commented: “I’m onboard with it beeing a good pasta dish, but don’t call it a carbonara when it isn’t, and definitly don’t start the video with ‘It usually contains smoky bacon’ when you know damned well that it doesn’t.”
Despite some backlash, there was no shortage of positive comments under the video, which has since been viewed over 350,000 times.
Evy Fredy wrote: “Great version of vegetarian carbonara! Like that version much better than the original one!”
Jennifer Miller commented: “The look on your face leaves no doubt as to how delicious this is. Can’t wait to try it. Thank you.”
Carmen Roselt added: “That’s a very simple dish and it really sounds very delicious…guess thats on my menu for this week….maybe tomorrow.”
