$174 vs $10 Pasta Carbonara: Pro Chef & Home Cook Swap Ingredients | Epicurious

The original Ingredient Swap duo returns as expert chef instructor Frank Proto and home cook extraordinaire Lorenzo are trading carbonara recipes and hitting the kitchen. We set Lorenzo up with $174 worth of ingredients and Frank's recipe while sending only a modest $10 worth of goods back the other way. How do Lorenzo's skill stack up against Frank's expert level recipe? What tricks can Frank break out to improvise his way up to gourmet with only ten bucks?
Learn more with Chef Frank on his KZbin Channel ProtoCooks!
/ @protocookswithcheffrank
Follow him on Instagram at @protocooks
Keep up with Lorenzo on Instagram at @rollinabenzo
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[@ProtoCookswithChefFrank]

This was another fun one. Great to be back in the studio with Lorenzo.

[@t3cchan]

Love you Frank!

[@MD-vy9jb]

Your take on the carbonara was amazing, another level of ingenuity. I loved every bit of that!

[@MijamotoMoesasji]

Smooth addition of that Chianti Classico, perks of the job

[@patch3938]

Your cooking is genius Frank!

[@bensgalley1368]

Your the favorite Frank we all know that you and Emily are the best

[@simo19piki89]

What Frank did is actually a thing. In Italy, specifically in Naples, we call it “Frittata di maccheroni“ and it’s essentially a frittata with pasta. Very nice italian touch to the dish Frank, love it!!

[@tiehara]

Oh wow this is awesome. Thanks for sharing this knowledge. I swore it was made up.

[@PedroHernandez-kq1db]

I cant be the only one who read "frittata di maccheroni" with an Italian accent lol

[@Gamber63]

At least u r happy to share these, unlike many so-called Italian foodies extremists out there

[@sagard.yenchilwar1379]

@@Gamber63 When I hear this Italian cuisine Extremists "Tf You put pineapple on pizza" Bro I top pizzas with mangoes

[@Lotrfan99]

that explains why my neapolitan wife always made frittatas with leftover pasta

[@cheeseonyomama]

Frank is the uncle I wish I had giving me tips in the kitchen. Lorenzo is the uncle I wish I had at the family bbqs with a beer and an infectious laugh. Happy to see these two together again!

[@paige_mccullers6912]

When Lorenzo lost that piece of cheese I was like: “Well, there go ten dollars” 💸😂

[@dinmsim2485]

🤣🤣

[@bunbunboy0130]

🤣

[@saafisadi3122]

Frank and Lorenzo, the dynamic duo are back. It’s so great to see them again. Especially Frank’s cooking skill and just how wholesome Lorenzo is. Just look at 16:34

[@jskndeol]

nuff said

[@Rabid_Nationalist]

Yeah!

[@xero5727]

Add Emily and we have the perfect trio

[@ezrahadwi135]

Duterte

[@cadetthings7516]

@@xero5727 nah

[@wehcd]

I love how Frank just requested a bottle of wine to drink with his carbonara...GENIUS

[@antc.4457]

Absolutely appreciated by the Italians. After eating a food where the egg is the protagonist, a sip of wine is perfect, also because the mouth cleanses and helps to limit the back-olfactory problems of those who suffer from reflux.

[@lincolnclementi346]

Lorenzo's reaction to Frank reminding hom of the wine! 😆

[@julianakarasawa315]

In one of the lockdown episodes there was a beer sneaked into the crate 😂

[@ricsouza5011]

He did it just to jack up the price of his recipe to make for a more clickbait title.

[@highdefinition450]

Absolute chad, free wine!

[@ua4027]

Everytime I see or hear carbonara. My brain: "IF MY GRANDMA HAD WHEELS...."

[@BriLliantBrondwyn]

She would have been a bike

[@TheSPT]

I always love seeing Lorenzo and Frank. Emily and Saul are also a great combo, too.

[@tammmmm]

Frank and Beth too!

[@yamomwasthebomb7159]

I literally gasped when we learned that Lorenzo was completely on his own.

[@karlcarlsburg9641]

😧

[@HexIsme]

That "I hate you all" was so legit lmao

[@shvat26]

Lorenzo is not on his own - he's got Frank!

[@tiernanaiena8918]

@Arcanine he clearly does help him though, as Lorenzo said he had never made pasta, didnt know how to, and as Frank was narrating he was following the steps

[@ThatchNetherfold]

Crew: *No Rose.* Lorenzo: You're joking. What the fudge? I hate you all. Me: *XD*

[@JavierGarcia-bd6kw]

Frank is like the Bob Ross of cooking I feel so comforted when I'm listening to him

[@joannaedwards6325]

Disagree! Chef Jacques Pepin is The Bob Ross of cooking. This guy is good but he's not The Master. Undefeated and still the best at 86 y.o. having been cooking for OVER 60 years!!! Don't argue until you've watched about 12 Jacques Pepin on KQED channels and Jacques Pepin channel. You'll thank me later. 😊 ❤ ✌

[@intruder6628]

​@@joannaedwards6325 calm down bro, dude just said that Frank is *LIKE* the Bob Ross of cooking, not proclaiming that Frank IS THE Bob Ross of cooking 🙄

[@digitalpretzel]

Lorenzo's joy in cooking is so infectious. I want that dude to have his own show.

[@DrewLevitt]

When I was first getting into Roman pastas - carbonara, gricia, amatriciana - I figured that guanciale would probably be a little better than pancetta or bacon. Maybe it would be worth the extra cost and the trouble of finding it, maybe not. I was wrong. Guanciale is WAY better than bacon or even pancetta. Like, three or four times as good. If you can get your hands on it, do it. There's really no substitute for guanciale.

[@asquizz2634]

Bacon is smoked and pancetta and guanciale is cured my man. Bacon shouldn't go in it but ehhhh whatevs. Both cured meats are so good though🤌🏼

[@Salvo78106]

Well, there is a reason if Italian recipes shouldn't be modified.

[@Nio-Eli-Spyral-And-Jevil]

I've missed seeing Lorenzo and Frank working together.

[@deepakmenon7733]

Same. With lots of new people, I miss the OGs

[@mioulgaw]

Right? Those two are amazing chefs! Lorenzo may be a home cook, but he is very good to be a chef. And Frank is a pro chef, who can turn cheap ingredients to luxury food. When both swep their ingredients, they accepting the challenge to make something good culinary dinner.😋🍲

[@lexjude]

I platonicly ship these two 🥰🥰

[@livingmachine9872]

@@lexjude bro what

[@lexjude]

@Tub ship. You know like a bromance. A friendship if you will.

[@yespur87]

Frank literally blew the global pepper prices after his “generous” seasoning…

[@okok72277]

"literally"

[@justinb292011]

Lol I was waiting for this

[@brunoianigro61]

Well, to be fair pre ground pepper doesn't taste like much

[@TheThunderStrikes]

😂😂😂😂

[@May8Day]

I always love the edition, the transitions are on point! And definitely addicted to this videos, to see Chefs getting creative with little and normal people being able to do good with a lot!!

[@imthatguydavid]

I really love this series. As a home cook myself, i'm always blown away by how creative the pro chefs are. It's always very humbling. It's truly amazing to see how a professional chef can just creative so completely different than expected with simple ingredients. It's so inspiring!

[@laurao5371]

I’m a simple person. I see Frank and Lorenzo. I click and watch.

[@KSWfarms]

Same here.

[@MrKingvenom77]

These 2 need their own show. They're so perfect together.

[@fashionmwah]

Frank has his own channel! It’s called Protocooks.

[@MrKingvenom77]

@@fashionmwah I know. I just want a show with him and Lorenzo all the time. They have a great chemistry

[@fashionmwah]

@@MrKingvenom77 In that case, I’d love that, too. 😂

[@alexaltego]

they keep giving Lorenzo new toys to play with and I couldn’t be happier.

[@cafeapaka7501]

These two are a great pairing, good chemistry - reminds me of classic comedic pairings of course in the context of a cooking show

[@jeff__w]

As engaging as Lorenzo is, there is no one quite like Frank Proto-he just exudes expertise, class, and warmheartedness.

[@EpicAndrew97]

These two are a fantastic dynamic duo Frank has that chef wizardry Lorenzo has this likability about him, he has a lovable laughable personality

[@HexIsme]

I'm so glad Epicurious started letting the chefs get together and taste the dishes each other made. It's a lot more satisfying as a viewer, this way. EDIT: Plus it's really nice to see the chefs actually interacting with each other. It gives you more of a picture of their personalities and how they feel about each other, not just food.

[@horacthy8577]

Originally they always did this until the social distancing appear

[@robwilliams6753]

You need to go back to the pre-lockdown videos, this was standard practice. The $500 steak was first and had me hooked from day 1.

[@efe8025]

They are slowly becoming in the bon appetit test kitchen... :0

[@thinhsuynhuoc]

this is slowly becoming a reality show. returning of favourite characters and content.

[@deathism]

My two favourite personalities! Just love Lorenzo's energy and Chef Frank's demeanor.

[@cjsmith3720]

REQUESTING MORE FRANK AND LORENZO DUOS

[@hinawillownyou]

One day we’ll see Frank say he’s going to make a level 3 chef out of Lorenzo

[@tschandler2]

That's the long game. Lorenzo is going to be a Level 3 and Emily a Level 2.

[@naomiarram5187]

Frank makes everything else from scratch - he can make a top chef out of the wonderful Lorenzo - he'll be starting with pretty good material to begin with!

[@kirstinmckeown3581]

@@tschandler2 Emily seems to be pretty much level 2 already if you have a look at her channel, she's just been nerfed in the last few 4 levels she's done.

[@alexaramachandran7392]

*li shang from mulan has entered the chat*

[@francisdhomer5910]

@@kirstinmckeown3581 I've watched a couple videos now where I feel Emily has done better than the level three chef. The one with Buffalo Style chicken wings she did wings, the level two cook didn't do chicken wings he did a drumstick, so he stays away from our Bills games and Emily can come do the wings for our tailgate party. And if the Bills win we will credit her for the win. She is so much fun to watch too. Her and Lorenzo together at Frank's show would be a BLAST. Please "ProtoCooks with Chef Frank" have both of them on with you. I've enjoyed the two I've seen with Emily, the two with would set a new high for KZbin.

[@joerandom1175]

My absolute favorite part of these videos is watching the expression of the "amateur" chef as they discover new methods and tools. Like the one woman who made her own "mozz". 👨🏻‍🍳also, Frank is just enjoyable to watch and learn from.

[@ThatchNetherfold]

Its Beth, and "mutz" is what she calls it in her county.

[@leonhardable]

Frank has his own youtube channel called "protocooks", if you're interested

[@joerandom1175]

@@leonhardable thanks!

[@ProtoCookswithChefFrank]

@@leonhardable Thanks for the shoutout

[@joerandom1175]

@@ProtoCookswithChefFrank Keep up the good work!

[@kimfurnell7902]

Frank and Lorenzo are 2 of my favorites! So glad to see the chefs able to taste each other’s dishes together! ❤️❤️

[@Anna-cg1pn]

SO MUCH BETTER WITH THEM TRYING EACH OTHER'S DISHES... this is what was always needed

[@All7777Fever]

Always was, originally. Before covid times.

[@TobyC1707]

I'm surprised Lorenzo doesn't have his own KZbin channel yet imagine how popular he would be

[@Crochet_kitty]

If he did a cookbook, I would buy it.

[@dylanmcguckin1241]

@@Crochet_kitty He does have his own cookbook! Its called lets do this, folks!

[@Crochet_kitty]

@@dylanmcguckin1241 Thank you! I didn't know. I will be definitely buying it.

[@francisdhomer5910]

*-Emily does

[@YourMajesty143]

He's got a lot of acting gigs already and he's doing a reality show: Top Chef Amateurs. Congrats Lorenzo!

[@seanmaddex4104]

I appreciate how frank always includes a drink with his swaps. So much fun to see Lorenzo back his positive attitude is infectious.

[@idagrady2052]

I love this so much. Frank & Lorenzo make the world a happier place.

[@PlanetDallas]

I love watching these two together hands down my favorites 🙌🏽🍴🥂🍜🌮🥙🍱🥓🧀🥖🥑🧈🍳🥞🍖🌶🥩🫑🧅🫔🫓🍛🥟🍯🥬🍠

[@lordvergesso]

honestly, as a "European" i was shocked a bit when i saw the peas at the beginning... crazy Americans!! XD

[@ikhmalafiq1335]

as asian i understand what you feel 😂😂😂😂

[@Zuraneve]

As an American, I don't recall ever seeing peas in carbonara before. That's not saying I wouldn't ever put them in a carbonara, but I'd be more inclined for them to be a side dish because not everyone likes peas. Personally, I think peas are delicious.

[@rowanmelton7643]

@@Zuraneve I hate peas as a side dish, but I enjoy them as an ingredient in a main dish

[@godaistudios]

@@Zuraneve Sadly, a lot of of Italian-American restaurants do the thing with the peas - as well as many celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Guy Fieri. If you are familiar with Vincenzo's Plate here on YT, he's expressed himself over the addition of peas, and shows how to cook classic Italian.

[@sherlockjura]

and the heavy cream xD

[@lancebeltran2002]

Lorenzo: *calls Rose* Rose: *is not there to help* Lorenzo: *PANIK*

[@NimN0ms]

Frank and Lorenzo are a duo for sure! Can watch these 2 for hours!

[@AthenaKeatingThomas]

I'm getting to love these two together. It's also great to watch Lorenzo expand his skillset with new experiences. Soon, he'll be a level 3 chef!

[@alexlewis8143]

This is a proper video finally. Frank and Lorenzo make the channel.

[@florabella1234]

I love that Frank acknowledges the traditional way of making carbonara. And then does something totally different xD. Love him

[@DavidWeinehall]

Well, with the ingredients he got he *had* to do something different since he was supplied with ingredients that don't belong in a real carbonara.

[@florabella1234]

@@DavidWeinehall but still.. What he did was super creative.

[@rdfjfgjyfdhfghy67456]

The black pepper whipped cream was so genius! Both chefs really outdid themselves!

[@jacobmooney3404]

Frank and Lorenzo really are just a dynamic duo, they're great.

[@Joan17116]

When the world needed it the most , the best duo returned 🤗

[@TinyJ91]

I LOVE Lorenzo and Frank together! They’re just fun to watch! And I love that Lorenzo is such an advanced level 2 that they had to take away Rose just to give him a slight challenge. But Rose is great!

[@smolkidd]

frank: the cheese the bla bla bla lorenzo: STIRRING RIGHT AWAY AS I BURN MY LEFT HAND :D

[@danimirich3918]

My favorite one yet. Two of the best. I want longer episodes, or behind the scenes. Give me more 😂

[@chrizzygoesoriginal]

The ”no Rose for the rescue” made me gasp, so glad to see it all worked out still😻

[@Kuribohcoast]

Forever envious of Lorenzo's good cheer and determination and forever grateful for Franks' easy going and friendly attitude

[@user-xr5gq5oj9q]

These will forever be my favorite videos. A professional chef turns everyday items into something amazing, so we all can learn to do it. Then the homecook learns how to use specialty ingredients to make a gourmet dish

[@Kakhsa]

Lorenzo really just loves and appreciates food and it’s great to see

[@jeniferjoseph9200]

I’m glad this video focused more on the inexpensive options and strategies most viewers might actually use. Also Lorenzo and Frank is, per usual, a killer combo

[@alexander.tahtadjian]

I love seeing Lorenzo and Frank pairing up for another one of these. They're the best duo in this series. I'm extremely happy that its for pasta carbonara since its one of my favourite pasta dishes.

[@samibchiri1442]

Second this

[@mikedacoolnerd788]

Frank and Beth are pretty great too.

[@riccardolazzarino5573]

Funny guys but my italian soul Just left my body

[@Microbit0]

Lorenzo always makes the day much much better!

[@GyroCannon]

:D I love that I've watched this series for so long that my eyes actually widened and I had the same thoughts as Lorenzo, "What the fudge?", when we find out that Rose can't help this time

[@MasterFhyl]

Oh hey, it's my two favorite chefs on here! Can't wait to see this.

[@Boog-alicious]

lorenzo always ends up lighting up the day no matter how bad my day is

[@chelseastevens9553]

I would love to sit with either of them and try their cooking. These dishes look so amazing

[@Nolxnsedits]

Frank is insane at cooking!

[@billyclabough9835]

Much better now that they try each others' dishes. Worth watching to the end.

[@ashishnaik9648]

Frank and Lorenzo...we love you guys...its a visual treat cooking both of you together!! love from India :)

[@kylekinnear8878]

It's so great for a good chef to show what they can do with simple ingredients. You don't need fancy anything to make great food. Just knowledge, pratice and patience.

[@RevDrTarr]

Frank and Lorenzo are my two favorites on this channel. Love seeing the two of them individually, but together, it's magic.

[@warmonksLoL]

I love how frank just expensed a bottle of wine, what a move.

[@doghouse3444]

omg this was a good one, love when ppl just relax and let their personality show,

[@EduardoWalcacer]

If there's a single thing that I learned from traditional Italian cuisine, is that you don't fresh pasta for some dishes, like carbonara. A good chef would choose something like Monograno Felicetti for a high end carbonara.

[@giovannidolci1346]

As an Italian I can confirm that fresh pasta doesn't really change anything in most cases, and just makes it harder to cook, because overcooks really easily

[@RevelMagic]

Agreed. Egg pasta with egg sauce? Waaaaaay too heavy. I’m sure it’s tasty but it’s not “the way”.

[@idek7438]

Yeah it's cause the sauce is quite heavy and would mask the quality of the fresh pasta. And in general there are just certain pasta shapes/kinds that no Italian would use with certain sauces lol not really a reason why it just doesn't sound normal

[@KyleBaran90]

Rose: I'm not here today :) Frank: Ah yes pasta *makes pie*

[@mahmoudaboualfa5136]

Thank you Epicurious for making me rewatch this series.

[@izyaaa9808]

Now this is the best duo.

[@thewthew7707]

I love this channel. Frank and Lorenzo is the perfect combo

[@515aleon]

Lorenzo and Frank---this is next level stuff. What a terrifically fun little episode!

[@jhca4671]

It just makes me so happy to see these two cook.

[@chayimweinstock443]

It’s just nice to see.

[@dummyme2291]

Hands down the best pair in this series 💯

[@shjktvbh]

I love and miss this duo. The best duo. They so amazing!

[@MorteoLX]

I got a new job and saw Lorenzo on one of our training modules. I was like "I know that guy!"

[@azilbean]

So glad they are finally tasting each other's dishes! Thank you! The dishes look great! I love them together!

[@superp2222]

The face on lorenzo when frank mentions the wine

[@denises-a7819]

Two of my faves, loved it!

[@boru3413]

I have never clicked as fast as I just did when I saw both Lorenzo and Frank

[@Hoitado]

Frank and Lorenzo Episodes are GOATed

[@freddycortbawi9311]

I swear they are the best duo

[@pasqualelicciardiello7451]

Do I really have to comment why every part of both carbonaras are wrong?

[@ela.evigilant]

Favorite one yet. I liked that Lorenzo had to figure it out on his own and I was really glad they got to try each other's dish. Miss Rose and her wisdom, but cool episode none the less.

[@altctrldel26]

Frankenzo is Back!!!

[@sumitgpatil]

Lorenzo's energy, Frank's humility...What a combination! ❤️

[@CLB30ROX]

These are literally 2 of my favorite people on this channel. And probably the planet, too 😁😁

[@SkaterBlades]

I really wanna see an episode of this with saul and lorenzo. Absolute pure personality

[@David_TheSuperior]

Vincenzo's Plate is gonna be excited for this episode

[@Daindrais]

Frank and Lorenzo.... a mini vacation!!

[@ericthompson3982]

I absolutely love watching these 2.

[@MasterFhyl]

Lorenzo and Frank teaming up is the culinary equivalent of Batman and Superman teaming up.

[@ThatchNetherfold]

Batman could use that kryptonite. XD

[@trevorpacelli8056]

That depends, are both of their moms named Martha?

[@belalabusultan5911]

you could have Emily as the (Food expert), that would be a good April's fools lol. I mean, they are the golden trio of Epicurious, Rose doesn't have any real competition so she's not included in it :P

[@MxS1996]

Actually, it might be a good episode if the recipe uses dairy alternatives since she is lactose intolerant.

[@belalabusultan5911]

@@MxS1996 as an April's fools joke.... maybe Fresh Milk ? 😛

[@danielcowan2180]

i really like the energy lorenzo has in these videos

[@FrostyFrostySnow]

Frank and Lorenzo, such an iconic duo

[@vlbz]

I might be partial here because I love carbonara, but this is the first time I like the look of the expensive version more.

[@biseinerheult78]

Depending on where you live, that wouldn’t even be that expensive. The really expensive things in there were the old Parmesan and the wine. If you live in Europe you can get guincale in most major cities or just order it online from an Italian specialty online shop (which you should be able to find in most countries). Same goes for the pecorino cheese. I can see The Guiancale being harder to get and more expensive in the states, but you could easily substitute pancetta, which you also don’t get everywhere but should be a bit easier to find. And if you live in Italy, the “expensive” version probably costs you ten euros to make.

[@Hope12Grace90]

In terms of look, Frank made the $10 one fancier... But I still desire thee expensive one more because all the ingredients are sooo delicious!

[@quinjou]

Of course you like it more it's literally the only right way to do carbonara

[@lapatti]

@@biseinerheult78 that's not the point though. You can easily substitute the guanciale with pancetta and you would hardly tell the difference. The point is that one dish was a carbonara and the other one was a frittata di pasta. It's something that maybe I would do with leftovers

[@dirtyyrat]

Carbonara is my favorite pasta. I'm so glad they're doing it

[@VeryCoolAlan]

The dynamic duo is back 😆

[@amandakelley4273]

Everything frank cooks just always looks so good

[@ummesalma8451]

Frank and Lorenzo are like Emily and ketchup.

[@trevorpacelli8056]

Or like Stephen and Cheesecake.

[@lildredre89]

Oooooh no more Rose now, the training wheels are coming off! Not like Lorenzo really needed her, he probably the closest Level 3 Level 2 chef they have

[@Gamber63]

After they had been doing this 4 times tgt, with this one the 5th, maybe we wouldn't surprise to see Lorenzo represents lv3 by then

[@alaras]

@@Gamber63 Level 3 is always professionals, so he's at 2 unless he cooks/bakes for a living.

[@2ntwins]

Lorenzo did win top chef amateurs. He has some skill

[@miserychick2602]

Does Beth mean nothing to you after all this time?!

[@lildredre89]

@@miserychick2602 Beth is a grandma, she's a level beyond our comprehension

[@paulredinger5830]

The best two personalities on this channel.

[@kaileygarcia1819]

I’m so glad these videos exist 🖤