Smoked Pancetta Sauce

Ingredients

• 250 g smoked pancetta
• 450 g canned peeled tomatoes
• 100 g white onion
• 1 fresh chili pepper
• 100 g celery
• 75 g white wine
• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
• Fresh basil, to taste
• Fine salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. To prepare the smoked pancetta sauce, start by prepping the vegetables: finely mince the celery and onion. Deseed and mince the chili pepper so that it is less spicy.
2. Cut the smoked pancetta into small pieces.
3. Chop the peeled tomatoes into small chunks.
4. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet and, over low heat, gently sauté the pancetta with the onion, celery, and chili pepper.
5. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the pancetta is nicely browned.
6. Pour in the white wine and allow the alcohol to evaporate, then add the chopped peeled tomatoes.
7. Tear the basil leaves by hand into the sauce and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, or until it has reduced and reached your desired consistency.
9. The smoked pancetta sauce is ready to be tossed with your choice of pasta.