Bucatini all’Amatriciana
This classic sauce takes its spiciness from black pepper and dried chillies and its depth of flavor from guanciale, Italian salt-cured pork jowl. If you can’t find it, use pancetta.
Ingredients
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125g/4 oz. thinly sliced guanciale, pancetta, or chopped unsmoked bacon
- 500g/12 oz. dried bucatini or spaghetti
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1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
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1 minced onion
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 50ml/1/4 cup Italian white wine
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400g/4 cups crushed tomatoes
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100g/1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano
- Salt & pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
Method
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add guanciale and sauté until crisp and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Add pepper flakes; stir for 10 seconds. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add the white wine and deglaze the pan and reduce. Add tomatoes, tomato puree, reduce heat to low, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, 25-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt; add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
Add drained pasta to sauce in skillet and toss to coat. Stir in cheese and serve with extra on top. Buon appetito…
The Alberti Twins 