Ingredients:
– 1 pound of ripe tomatoes
– 4 oz of pancetta or bacon
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Extra virgin olive oil
– 1 pound of spaghetti or pasta of your choice
– Pecorino Romano cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. First, start by preparing the tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then remove the skin and chop them into small pieces.
2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the pancetta, cut into small cubes. Cook until golden brown, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet, along with the red chili flakes and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
6. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pancetta back to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly.
8. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese on top.
Tips:
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked tomatoes in a blender or food processor before adding them to the skillet.
– To give the sauce a slightly sweeter taste, you can add a pinch of sugar or a splash of red wine while it’s cooking.
– For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pancetta and use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino Romano.
In conclusion, amatriciana sauce is a must-try for any pasta lover. This hearty and flavorful sauce is easy to make, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade Italian cooking skills. Buon appetito!