Bucatini is the classic pasta for this sauce.

　　

Ingredients

makes about 2 cups

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　3 slices bacon (or pancetta), cut into 1/4-inch pieces

　　1 large onion, peeled and sliced thin

　　6 ripe medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped, or 8 canned whole tomatoes, drained and chopped

　　Salt

　　

Step 1

Into a heavy pan over medium heat, pour: 2 tablespoons olive oil.

　　

Step 2

Add: 3 slices bacon (or pancetta), cut into 1/4-inch pieces.

　　

Step 3

Cook until the fat is rendered and the meat is lightly browned. Remove the meat and set aside. Add to the fat left in the pan: 1 large onion, peeled and sliced thin.

　　

Step 4

Cook, stirring now and then, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add: 6 ripe medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped, or 8 canned whole tomatoes, drained and chopped, Salt.

　　

Step 5

Cook for 10 minutes over low heat. Add the reserved bacon and cook for another 2 or 3 minutes. Taste for salt and adjust as needed.

　　

Variations

Step 6

Instead of tomatoes, use 1 1/2 cups Simple Tomato Sauce (opposite) and cook for only 4 minutes.

　　

Step 7

After the onions have cooked, pour in 1/3 cup white wine, and reduce over medium heat until the liquid has almost completely evaporated. Add the tomatoes and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

　　

Step 8

When the sauce is nearly done, stir in a small handful of chopped parsley or a chiffonade of basil leaves.

　　The Art of Simple Food