Amatriciana Sauce

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Place in a large heavy skillet over medium heat: 6 slices bacon, cut into ¼-inch dice

2. Step 2.

   Or use instead of the bacon: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 ounces pancetta, cut into ¼-inch dice

3. Step 3.

   Cook, stirring, until the bacon or pancetta has rendered most of its fat and turned deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to medium heat. Add and cook, stirring, until golden brown: 1 large onion, finely chopped

4. Step 4.

   Add and cook, stirring, for 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic: 1 large garlic clove, minced; 1 dried red chile pepper or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

5. Step 5.

   Increase the heat to high and add: 2 pounds fresh plum or Roma tomatoes, peeled, and chopped, or one 28-ounce can whole tomatoes

6. Step 6.

   Stir in the bacon or pancetta and simmer, crushing the tomatoes with a potato masher or a wooden spoon, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with: Black pepper; Red pepper flakes