Pasta alla Gricia

What is pasta alla gricia?

Pasta alla gricia is a traditional recipe from Lazio known as the ancestor of amatriciana, which originally lacked tomato, the only ingredient to differ between the two recipes. Both recipe, along with pasta carbonara, are between the most famous roman recipes around the world.

The sauce for pasta alla gricia is made from olive oil, guanciale, black pepper, and plenty of pecorino Romano. You can add onion to these ingredients as well, even if the original recipe for pasta alla gricia does not include it. However, there is no precise rule: just follow your personal taste, because in both cases, the result is very good! The best-known recipe is that of spaghetti alla gricia, although it is possible to use your favorite pasta, even rigatoni.

History of pasta alla gricia

Pasta alla gricia is considered by many to be the ancestor of pasta all’amatriciana. It has roots in Amatrice, in the province of Rieti, and there are two theories on the etymology of its name. One version sees in the name gricia a reference to the gricio, or the person who dealt with the resale of food, especially bread. This worker, according to tradition, had no time for overly elaborate dishes and mainly ate simple pasta topped with guanciale and pecorino.

Another hypothesis is that the name gricia derives from the town Grisciano, near Amatrice, which therefore would be the true birthplace of this dish. It was only around 1800, however, that tomatoes were added to the recipe ingredients, thus giving rise to pasta all’amatriciana.

pasta alla gricia roman recipe

Culinary tips

For a creamy pasta alla gricia, it is important to add the cooking water from the spaghetti a little at a time, mixing it with the pasta and the sauce over medium-low heat and stirring carefully with a wooden spoon. Even the cheese contributes to the proper consistency of the pasta alla gricia: this is why it is important to use pecorino Romano and to add it when the pasta is still on the stove.

Variants

We have presented the recipe for pasta alla gricia with onion, which gives it a truly unique and rich flavor. The original recipe, however, does not include onion, and it calls for lard instead of olive oil. There is also a version of pasta alla gricia with pancetta, for those who prefer a less aromatic and even more smoky flavor; just sauté cubes of it instead of the bacon.

Wine pairings

To make this dish truly perfect, the choice of wine is essential! We suggest pairing Cesanese del Piglio, a wine produced in the province of Frosinone (in the region of Lazio, from where this recipe also comes). Alternatively, choose a classic full-bodied red such as Sagantino di Montefalco.

pasta alla gricia roman recipe

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Pasta alla gricia

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One of the traditional pasta recipes from Rome. It consists of guanciale, black pepper and a lot of Pecorino Romano, for a creamy, delicious pasta dish.
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Keyword gricia, spaghetti
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 796kcal
Author Nonna Box

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut the guanciale in half first along its length and then widthwise, taking care to create cubes of the same thickness. Set aside.
  • Heat plenty of salted water in a saucepan.
  • When the water is boiling, pour in the spaghetti.
  • While the spaghetti cooks, pour a little olive oil into a pan and heat it over very low heat. Add the onion and cook until it turns golden. To prevent the onion from burning, it is best to keep the heat low and mix with a wooden spoon.
  • When the onion is golden brown, add the guanciale as well.
  • Lower the heat to low and stir with a wooden spoon until the guanciale is golden and has lost fat.
  • In the meantime, drain the pasta, remembering to set aside a little cooking water in case the final pasta mixture appears too dry.
  • Add the spaghetti to the sauce in the pan and, over medium heat, mix with a wooden spoon, adding the pasta cooking water if necessary.
  • Turn off the heat and complete the preparation of pasta alla gricia by sprinkling with plenty of grated pecorino and black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 796kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 629mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 296mg | Iron: 2mg


Source: Pasta alla Gricia