Spaghetti all'Amatriciana
Guanciale, San Marzano tomatoes, Pecorino Romano. Rome's other great pasta. Use bucatini if you can find it.
Replace half the guanciale with 'nduja, the spreadable Calabrian pork sausage. The sauce turns orange-red and deeply spicy.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook bucatini 2 minutes less than package time.
Render guanciale in a cold dry skillet over medium heat. Let the fat render slowly — about 8 minutes. Remove guanciale with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in pan.
Add chili flakes to the fat. Add wine and let it sizzle. Add tomatoes. Simmer 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with a little salt.
Return guanciale to sauce. Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss over medium heat for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat. Add half the Pecorino and toss. Serve with remaining Pecorino on top.
Guanciale, San Marzano tomatoes, Pecorino Romano. Rome's other great pasta. Use bucatini if you can find it.
Pancetta instead of guanciale. Easier to find, slightly more smoky. Not traditional but honest.
Thick pork shanks braised in white wine and stock. Cheaper than veal. Nobody is disappointed.
Three ingredients. Infinite technique. The Roman pasta that humbles every chef who underestimates it.