Fettuccine al pomodoro

Fettuccine alla Napoletana. To help with measurements, 2 Roma tomatoes will yield about 1 cup of diced Roma tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)

• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1¾ cups fresh tomatoes (diced)

• ¾ cups fresh tomatoes (julienned)

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 4 ounces fresh pancetta

• 1 cup oil-cured green and black olives (pitted and chopped)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 2 cups baby spinach (no stems, rough chopped)

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon basil

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• kosher salt and pepper

• flour and cornstarch (for thickening the sauce, if desired)

• 1 lb fettuccine

• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (shredded, to taste)

Preparation

1. In a saucepan, cook the fettuccine in well-salted water until al dente, as directed. Time this so the fettuccine is finished around the time the sauce is finished cooking.

2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and saute for five minutes. Then add the garlic, saute for 5 more minutes.

3. Next, add the chicken stock, tomatoes, carrots, pancetta and butter and bring to a slow boil. Reduce the heat to low-medium and add the oregano, and red pepper.

4. Allow to gently simmer for 45 minutes and then add the spinach, olives and basil. Check the salt and pepper seasoning and season to taste. If you want to thicken the sauce, sift together 1/2 tablespoon flour with 1/2 tablespoon corn starch and mix into the sauce gradually.

5. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Drain the fettuccine and combine with about 1 cup of the sauce to give it a coating to prevent sticking together.

7. Plate the fettuccine and top with a generous ladelful of the sauce. Serve hot, topped with some shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if desired, with a side of olives.

Keywords: Main Pasta Italian