Amatriciana

Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta sauce that originates from the town of Amatrice in the region of Lazio. It’s a simple and flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and red pepper flakes. Here’s a basic recipe for making Amatriciana sauce:

Ingredients:

• 400g (14 oz) of bucatini or spaghetti pasta
• 150g (5 oz) guanciale, diced (you can also use pancetta as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) of whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or blended
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced guanciale and cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown.
   • Remove excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, including their juice.
   • Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
   • Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce.
   • If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Finish with Cheese:
   • Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano cheese over the pasta.
   • Toss again to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
6. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta, and if desired, sprinkle extra Pecorino Romano and red pepper flakes on top.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Amatriciana pasta!

This recipe serves about 4 people. Adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you need.