Couch Culture Club - Rome

Rome

A heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s hot-blooded capital, Rome is one of the world’s most romantic and charismatic cities and our destination for this weeks couch culture club.

Transport yourself to this captivating city by cooking up perhaps one of the most famous Roman dishes, Bucatini all’Amatriciana followed by one of the most popular aperitif cocktails in Italy a Spritz Veneziano or Aperol Spritz. Top the night off and turn back the clock to Rome in the ancient times by watching a modern classic, that only gets better with time Gladiator.

If you’re headed with us this week, we would love to see your photos you can send them to us on Facebook or via email

 
 
Bucatini all’Amatriciana

Bucatini all’Amatriciana

INGREDIENTS

  • 200g bucatini

  • 250g diced pancetta

  • 1/4 cup diced onion

  • 3 diced garlic cloves

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake

  • 3/4 cup tomato puree

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

METHOD

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the bucatini and cook according to package directions.

In a large pan, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it renders it’s fat and starts to turn crispy. Add the onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper and cook them for a minute or so, just until the garlic is fragrant.

Add the tomato puree and water and stir to combine. Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a simmer. Simmer the sauce while you wait for the pasta to finish cooking.

Add the balsamic vinegar to the sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss it in the sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. To serve, top each serving with the grated cheese.

 
 
aperol spritz

Spritz Veneziano

Spritz Veneziano or Aperol Spritz is an Italian wine-based cocktail, commonly served as an aperitif in Italy.

Fill a large wine glass – about 420ml with ice Combine Italian Prosecco, followed by Aperol in equal parts Add a splash of soda water Garnish with an orange wedge.

Salute!

 
 
Gladiator

Gladiator

A cult classic this weeks film is Gladiator. Set in ancient Rome ‘Gladiator’ tells the story of General Maximus as he sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.  You can watch it on Netflix by Clicking Here

 
Julie ClearyComment