Classic Amatriciana

Mise-en-place

Ingrediënten

De bereidingswijze

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1. 1

   Place the guanciale cubes into a large, cold skillet or Dutch oven.

   Tip van de kok: Starting with a cold pan is crucial for slowly rendering the fat from the guanciale, ensuring it becomes perfectly crispy without burning.

2. 2

   Set the skillet over medium heat and cook the guanciale, stirring occasionally, until it is deeply golden brown and crispy, and most of its fat has rendered, about 8-10 minutes.

   Ongeveer 9 min

   Tip van de kok: The guanciale should be crunchy but not brittle. Adjust heat as needed to prevent scorching.

3. 3

   Remove the crispy guanciale from the pan using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with a paper towel, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

   Tip van de kok: Reserving the guanciale separately ensures it stays crispy when added back to the sauce later.

4. 4

   Assess the amount of rendered fat in the pan; if there is more than 1 tablespoon, carefully pour off the excess, leaving just enough to lightly coat the bottom.

   Tip van de kok: Too much fat can make the sauce greasy, while too little won't properly carry the flavors.

5. 5

   Add the olive oil and dried red chili flakes to the pan with the rendered guanciale fat.

6. 6

   Sauté the chili flakes for 30 seconds until they become fragrant, then pour in the dry white wine.

   Ongeveer 1 min

   Tip van de kok: The brief sauté of chili flakes awakens their flavor and heat. Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

7. 7

   Deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon, and continue to cook until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.

   Ongeveer 2 min

   Tip van de kok: Deglazing adds a layer of complex flavor to the sauce from the caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan.

8. 8

   Pour in the canned peeled whole tomatoes, crushing them with your hands as you add them to the pan, then stir in the salt and black pepper.

   Tip van de kok: Crushing whole peeled tomatoes by hand provides a more rustic texture than using diced tomatoes.

9. 9

   Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.

   Ongeveer 20 min

   Tip van de kok: A slow simmer allows the tomato flavor to deepen and sweeten, creating a richer sauce.

10. 10

    While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

    Ongeveer 10 min

    Tip van de kok: Salting the pasta water is essential for flavoring the pasta from the inside out; it should taste like the sea.

11. 11

    Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.

    Tip van de kok: This starchy water is a secret weapon for emulsifying the sauce and helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.

12. 12

    Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the simmering sauce along with most of the crispy guanciale.

    Tip van de kok: Adding the pasta directly to the sauce allows it to absorb the flavors and finish cooking in the sauce.

13. 13

    Toss the pasta and sauce together vigorously to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a silky, well-coated consistency.

    Ongeveer 1 min

    Tip van de kok: The pasta water helps create a glossy, cohesive sauce that adheres perfectly to each strand of pasta.

14. 14

    Stir in half of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese until it melts into the sauce.

    Ongeveer 1 min

    Tip van de kok: Pecorino Romano adds a sharp, salty, and tangy depth that is characteristic of authentic Amatriciana.

15. 15

    Serve the Amatriciana immediately in warm bowls, garnished with the remaining crispy guanciale and a generous sprinkle of additional Pecorino Romano cheese.