The Sagra degli Spaghetti all’Amatriciana is one of Italy’s most popular food festivals, which celebrates the authentic Italian pasta dish – Spaghetti all’Amatriciana.
Originating from the town of Amatrice, the dish is made from a base of tomato sauce, cured pork cheek, and pecorino cheese. It is a staple of the Lazio region of Italy and is enjoyed by millions of Italian food enthusiasts worldwide.
The authentic recipe for Spaghetti all’Amatriciana is relatively straightforward, with only a few key ingredients required to create the rich and flavorful dish.
To start, you will need:
– 400g spaghetti
– 120g guanciale (cured pork cheek)
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
– 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (to taste)
– 80g grated pecorino cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Olive oil, for frying
Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
Next, prepare the sauce by heating some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and fry until they become soft and translucent.
Then, add the guanciale to the pan and fry until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning.
Once the guanciale is cooked, add the chopped tomatoes and red chili flakes to the pan. Simmer the tomato sauce for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to the tomato sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the delicious sauce.
To serve, sprinkle a generous amount of grated pecorino cheese on top of the pasta, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some additional red chili flakes if you prefer a spicier flavor.
As with all Italian dishes, it is crucial to use high-quality ingredients in preparation. The guanciale, in particular, should be of excellent quality to ensure the best flavor possible. Pecorino cheese is also essential in bringing forth the characteristic sharp, salty taste of the dish.
It’s easy to see why the Spaghetti all’Amatriciana has become such a beloved Italian meal. The combination of the rich tomato sauce, smoky guanciale, and sharp pecorino cheese makes for an irresistible and flavorful dish that’s hard to resist.
If you want to experience the authentic taste of Spaghetti all’Amatriciana, why not try making your own at home using the recipe outlined above? It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen and enjoy one of the country’s most famous pasta dishes!