Amatriciana
Amatriciana is a traditional Italian pasta sauce from Amatrice featuring a mix of prosciutto, tomatoes, and a hint of chili powder for spice. This dish combines robust flavors and is simmered for a rich, satisfying sauce.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 onion
3 slices prosciutto
1 tsp chili powder
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 cans canned tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh parsley
Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta sauce originating from the town of Amatrice. Known for its robust flavors, it combines the richness of tomatoes and the spice of chili powder with the savory taste of prosciutto. This guide will walk you through the steps to prepare this delightful dish.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion and prosciutto.
- Mince the garlic.
- Crush the canned tomatoes if not already crushed.
- Chop the fresh parsley and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped prosciutto to the skillet. Cook until it starts to get crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato puree. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the puree to blend well with other ingredients.
- Pour in the 2 cans of crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Just before serving, stir in the 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Amatriciana sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
You've now created a delicious Amatriciana sauce that can beautifully complement your choice of pasta. This rich and flavorful sauce is bound to impress, bringing a taste of Italy into your home. Enjoy your meal!
Amatriciana FAQ:
Traditionally, Amatriciana is served with bucatini, a thick spaghetti-like pasta. However, spaghetti, rigatoni, or any pasta of your choice can also work well.
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20-25 minutes over low heat. This will help the flavors meld together while thickening the sauce.
Yes, you can substitute prosciutto with pancetta or bacon for a similar flavor profile. However, this will slightly alter the taste and authenticity of the dish.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
If the sauce tastes too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar or a small amount of butter to balance the acidity. Stir well and allow the sauce to cook for a few more minutes.
Cooking Tips:
- For authentic flavor, you can substitute prosciutto with guanciale, a traditional Italian cured meat.
- If you prefer a less spicy sauce, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a milder chili variety.
- Letting the sauce simmer longer will deepen the flavors, so don't rush this step if you have extra time.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit of pasta cooking water.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 72kcal
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 8g
Fat 4.76g
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