Introduction
Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in the town of Amatrice, located in the Lazio region of Italy. This simple yet flavorful dish is made with spaghetti, pancetta, tomatoes, and pecorino cheese. It’s a favorite among Italians and pasta lovers worldwide.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make an authentic Amatriciana pasta dish at home. Our recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. So let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 400g spaghetti
- 150g pancetta
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 50g pecorino cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
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Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes.
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Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute.
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Add the canned tomatoes and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
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Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.
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Grate the pecorino cheese and sprinkle it over the pasta. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the pancetta and use a vegetarian substitute like mushrooms or eggplant instead. You can also add some chopped olives or capers for extra flavor.
- Vegan: Use vegan spaghetti and substitute the pancetta with vegan bacon or tofu. Instead of pecorino cheese, use a vegan cheese substitute.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to make the dish spicier.
- Tomato-free: Substitute the canned tomatoes with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning how to make an authentic Amatriciana pasta dish at home. This classic Italian recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, Amatriciana is sure to impress. Bon appétit!
FAQ
What is Amatriciana?
Amatriciana is a traditional Italian pasta sauce made with tomato, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and pecorino cheese.
Can I substitute pancetta for guanciale?
Yes, you can substitute pancetta for guanciale if you can’t find it. Pancetta is made from pork belly, while guanciale is made from pork cheek, which gives it a unique flavor.
Can I use spaghetti instead of bucatini?
Yes, you can use spaghetti instead of bucatini if you can’t find it. Bucatini is a thick, spaghetti-like pasta with a hole running through the center.
Can I use Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino?
No, you should not use Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino. While they are both hard, salty cheeses, Pecorino has a stronger flavor that is essential to the dish.
Can I make Amatriciana without garlic?
Yes, you can make Amatriciana without garlic if you prefer. However, garlic is a common ingredient in the dish and adds a lot of flavor.
How spicy is Amatriciana?
Amatriciana can be quite spicy, depending on the amount of red pepper flakes you use. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
Can I make Amatriciana ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Amatriciana ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Can I freeze Amatriciana?
Yes, you can freeze Amatriciana for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Can I add vegetables to Amatriciana?
No, you should not add vegetables to Amatriciana. The traditional recipe only includes tomato, guanciale, Pecorino, and red pepper flakes.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. However, be sure to use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
