Bucatini all'Amatriciana

Set the pasta water to heat, salt it when it boils, and cook the pasta.

While this is happening, heat the oil in a skillet, add the diced bacon, and cook until it browns, stirring the pieces about. Remove them to a sheet of absorbent paper with a slotted spoon and keep them warm.

Add the onion to the grease in the pan, together with the hot pepper, and when it begins to color add the tomatoes and their juices. Cook, stirring, for 5-6 minutes, then return the diced bacon to the pot and heat it through.

Drain the pasta while it's still a little al dente, turn it into the skillet with the sauce, cook a minute more, stirring the pasta to coat the strands, and serve, with grated pecorino in a big- assed bowl.