Hey! I remember the first time I tried making Amatriciana. It was a chilly evening, and I was craving something comforting. As I scanned through recipes online, I stumbled upon this classic Italian dish. I also tried many other sauces like Celery Root Remoulade Sauce and Praline Sauce Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot, despite my lack of culinary expertise. With ingredients like pancetta, tomatoes, and pecorino cheese, I knew it would be deliciously hearty.
As I started cooking, the aroma of sizzling pancetta filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to an Italian trattoria.
Since that first attempt, I’ve made Amatriciana countless times, each batch with its own slight variations. Sometimes I add extra chili flakes for a kick, or experiment with different types of pasta. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, it always brings me back to that cozy evening when I first discovered its magic.
If you’re craving a taste of Italy in your own kitchen, I highly recommend giving this Amatriciana recipe a try. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s a dish that never fails to evoke fond memories and bring people together around the dinner table. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking with Beyond the Bayou Blog.
What is Amatriciana?
Amatriciana is a tasty pasta sauce from Italy. It’s made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and pancetta (which is like Italian bacon). It’s usually a bit spicy and has a nice savory flavor. People often sprinkle it with pecorino cheese, which adds a delicious salty taste. It’s a simple but really yummy dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Amatriciana sauce comes from a town called Amatrice in Italy. It’s a popular dish that’s easy to make and tastes really good. The sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and pancetta, which is like Italian bacon. It’s cooked until it’s thick and flavorful, then served with pasta. Some people like to add a bit of chili pepper for extra spice. It’s a classic Italian dish that’s loved by many for its delicious taste and simple ingredients.
Classic Amatriciana Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Cutting Board and Knife
Ingredients
- 200 gram pancetta, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 400 gram canned tomatoes, crushed or diced
- 350 gram pasta
Instructions
- Cook Pancetta: Dice pancetta and cook until crispy.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Cook onion until soft, then add minced garlic.
- Simmer Sauce: Add canned tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 20-25 mins.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Mix cooked pasta with sauce in the skillet.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle with pecorino cheese.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and savor your Amatriciana pasta.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality pancetta, canned tomatoes, and pecorino cheese to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Balanced Seasoning: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preference for spiciness. Taste the sauce as it simmers and add more salt or pepper if needed for balance.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite) to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve a cup of the pasta water. It can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition
Time for the Tips!
- Cook Pancetta Perfectly: Ensure the pancetta is cooked evenly and crisped to perfection. This step adds a depth of flavor to the sauce, so take your time to achieve the desired texture.
- Customize with Additional Ingredients: Experiment with adding ingredients like sliced mushrooms, black olives, or chopped bell peppers to personalize the sauce and add extra layers of flavor.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Consider adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving to enhance the dish’s overall freshness and presentation.
- Healthier Swaps: For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon instead of pancetta or whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Double Check Portions: Be mindful of portion sizes, as the rich flavors of Amatriciana can make it easy to overindulge. Serve smaller portions alongside a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
