With the success of Triona O’Sullivan’s recipes (and we certainly haven’t seen the last of her!), we introduce another Cork foodie – Margaret Smith of Umnumnum.ie

Like Triona, our obsession with Margaret’s food started when we received a few samples after she came in to check out the range in our shop. With years of experience, Margaret runs a cookery school for all ages in Ballincollig, where she has acquired a loyal following.

This recipe is from her own locker, so it’s absolutely original.

Buccatini A l’ Amatriciana (serves 2)

•    1 small onion
•    1 clove of garlic
•    Some pancetta
•    Tin of tomatoes
•    Small jar tomato Passata
•    Teaspoon of Sugar
•    Half teaspoon chilli (chopped finely)
•    Salt and Pepper
•    50g Grated Parmesan
•    Handful of Fresh Basil
•    Handful Fresh Oregano if available

•    Buccatini pasta or substitute with spaghetti or linguine or even tagliatelle.

How to cook it

Chop onion very finely and fry gently with the garlic (which should also be finely chopped). Wait till the onion is soft and translucent then add the pancetta also chopped into small pieces. Wait till the pancetta is a little bit brown and crispy then add the tin of tomatoes and the sugar to bring out the natural flavour of the tomatoes. You can add the Chilli at this stage also.

Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce on a low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until you feel the tomatoes are cooked through. Chop the herbs roughly and put into the sauce. Cook for another minute. Add the grated Parmesan at this stage and stir through.

Meanwhile boil some pasta as per instructions on packet – strain and add to your pasta sauce.

The wine match

Over the next week or so, we’ll be introducing a number of new wines to the Curious range. This is the perfect opportunity to show off a new entrant that will match Margaret’s Buccatini A l’ Amatriciana beautifully. Gregorina Sangiovese Superiore, sourced from the province of Forli’ and Cesena, has got the balance of acidity, tannins and fruit to go perfectly hand-in-hand with this delicious Italian themed dish.

Sincere thanks to Margaret Smith – web: www.umnumnum.ie – facebook: UmNumNum – twitter: umnumnum_cork