The ‘Amatriciana’ sauce is one of the most traditional pasta sauces of Italy’s food culture: loved in Lazio but also all over the peninsula, it also a great success in its white version, or the so-called ‘gricia’. Here we offer a version of ‘amatriciana’ which is equally delicious but that allows a small breach of tradition: in place of the classic pig’s cheek bacon we have substituted the more commonly available pancetta. The outcome is equally delectable, but perhaps a little less fatty. Try it, and let us know your impressions. Fundamental, of course, is the final touch of a generous sprinkling of top quality pecorino cheese!
* approximate values per serving
Put the chopped onion in a pan with the oil; sauté over low heat, then add the pancetta. Sauté briefly taking care not to burn them. Pour in the white wine and reduce. Add the tomato, season with salt and plenty of pepper and stir. Cover and simmer. While the sauce is simmering, cook the linguine in plenty of boiling, lightly salted water until al dente; then drain them into a large, warmed serving dish and cover with the pecorino cheese and sauce.
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Fry the onion in oil
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Add the pancetta, then the wine and reduce
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Add the tomato sauce, salt and lots of pepper
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Cook the linguine in lots of boiling salted water
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Mix the linguine with the prepared sauce and a generous helping of Pecorino cheese
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One of the tastiest variations of linguine all'amatriciana is the one that uses smoked pancetta. This ingredient gives the dish a more intense and aromatic flavor, enriching the tomato sauce with smoky notes. To prepare this variation, the procedure remains essentially unchanged: start by sautéing the chopped onion with oil, then add the smoked pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy. Deglaze with white wine and add the tomato sauce to complete the sauce. The linguine, cooked al dente, will blend perfectly with this rich and flavorful condiment, making every forkful a true delight for the palate.
The traditional recipe for linguine all'amatriciana, typical of Roman cuisine, uses guanciale instead of pancetta. This regional variation is characterized by a more delicate and authentic flavor, thanks to the use of guanciale, which melts slowly into the sauce, giving it a unique creaminess. The preparation is similar: start by sautéing the onion in oil, followed by the addition of guanciale. After a deglazing with white wine, add the tomato and let it cook. Serve the linguine al dente, generously dressed with the sauce and sprinkled with grated pecorino. This dish embodies the culinary tradition of Rome, bringing the true flavor of the capital to the table.
For those who want a lighter version of linguine all'amatriciana, it is possible to prepare a "light" variant without tomato. In this preparation, a sauté of onion and pancetta is used, but the tomato sauce is replaced with vegetable or meat broth, which will add flavor without weighing down the dish. The pancetta can be used in reduced quantities, while the amount of onions can be increased to maintain good savoriness. Cooking the linguine this way will result in a lighter and more easily digestible dish, perfect for those seeking a healthy alternative without sacrificing taste. Don't forget to finish with a sprinkle of pecorino for a final touch of flavor.
Linguine all'amatriciana, made with fresh ingredients like pancetta and tomato, offer several nutritional benefits. Pancetta provides protein and fat, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that contributes to heart health and cell protection. Additionally, onions are a source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and manganese. A serving of linguine all'amatriciana contains approximately 500 calories, depending on the quantities of ingredients used. It is a substantial dish that, when consumed in moderation, can fit into a balanced diet, especially when accompanied by a portion of vegetables.
Yes, leftover linguine all'amatriciana can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Before consuming, it is advisable to reheat them in a pan with a drizzle of oil or a bit of broth to prevent them from drying out too much. If you wish to store the dish for a longer time, you can also freeze it, but it is better to do so without the grated pecorino, which may alter the texture once thawed. This way, you can enjoy linguine all'amatriciana even in the days following its preparation!