Grandpa Joe's
Sugo all'Amatriciana

This classic is named for Amatrice, a town located northeast of Rome.

About this recipe

Classically, Sugo all'Amatrciana (sauce from Amatrice) is prepared with guanciale (salt-cured pork jowl) or pancetta.  I prefer using both to enhance the porky flavor.  It can be prepared with or without the pepper flakes.  As you can see, I prefer the spicier version.  It also is traditionally served with bucatini, but any hearty pasta (e.g., ziti or mostaccioli) will work equally well.  And once again, the real "secret" to this recipe is the 6 IN 1 brand tomatoes.  They are absolutely worth the extra effort to find them.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces pancetta, chopped
  • 4 ounces guanciale, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 28 ounces 6 IN 1 brand All Purpose Ground Tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1 pound bucatini
  • pecorino Romano cheese

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over moderately low heat.  
  2. Add the onion and cook until it is soft and translucent.
  3. Add the guanciale and pancetta and sauté until it renders some of its fat, about 5 minutes.  Do not allow it to crisp.
  4. Add the tomatoes, wine, red pepper, and parsley and bring to a simmer.  Simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 20 minutes.  If the sauce becomes too thick, add a quarter cup of pasta water.
  5. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water.  When the pasta is about a minute short of al dente, drain it and add it to the sauce mixture.  
  6. Cook briefly so the pasta absorbs some of the  sauce.
  7. Transfer the pasta to a warmed serving bowl and sprinkle generously with freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese. 
  8. Serve immediately.
Sugo all'Amatriciana served over bucatini with freshly baked Ciabatta.

Notes

  • 6 IN 1 brand All Purpose Ground Tomatoes in Extra Heavy Puree is available online at escalon.net.
  • If 6 IN 1 brand tomatoes are unavailable, consider using crushed tomatoes as an alternative.  Some tomato paste and additional seasonings may be required, however.
Posted: December 2014.