Amatriciana
"Amatriciana is a tomato-based pasta sauce with guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese, and chili. It comes from Amatrice, a mountain town destroyed by a 2016 earthquake. The recipe is legally protected: only guanciale, pecorino, tomato, white wine, and chili are allowed—onions and garlic are forbidden by purists."
Logistics
Moderate
Vibe
Robust, tangy
Duration
30-45 minutes
Best For
Pasta lovers
The Backstory
The original dish had no tomato (tomatoes arrived in Italy in the 1500s). After the 2016 earthquake, Romans rallied around the dish with restaurants donating proceeds to rebuilding efforts.
Local Secret
"August 24 is Amatriciana Day in Rome, commemorating the earthquake. Order bucatini, the traditional thick hollow pasta that holds the sauce perfectly."