Italian Chefs Are Donating Money From Plates Of Pasta Amatriciana For Earthquake Victims

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Tragedy struck a sleepy Italian town two nights ago. As Amatrice’s residents slept, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the mountain village. The center of the city now lays in ruins with many still in need of rescue. The death toll skyrocketed from 159 to 247 between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Authorities, rescue workers, and charities continue to work nonstop to save as many as they can.

Amatrice was planning on holding a celebration this weekend centered around the town’s namesake dish, Pasta all’Amatriciana. That, of course, has been canceled. But Italian chefs have devised a way to raise money for their countrymen in need — by donating their proceeds from the sale of Pasta all’Amatriciana.

Pasta Amatriciana is the delectable blend of guanciale pancetta (that’s pork cheek that’s been treated like bacon), garlic, onions, a little red pepper flakes, and olive oil all simmered in a tomato sauce before being tossed with some pasta, usually spaghetti. Imagine a nice plate of spaghetti with red sauce and with the added awesomeness of smokey bacon and a solid hit of spice.

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Rescue efforts will continue as the death toll will certainly rise further. And then the rebuilding will begin. Even if you’re not in Italy, you can still support the recovery effort by donating to the Italian Red Cross, or send a Shelter Box of supplies directly to victims.

The devastation is real and extreme. Here’s a few photos of before and after of the town. Below you can watch a video posted on Facebook on Amatrice’s main street a couple nights before the disaster that destroyed that very street. If you’re in Italy, order a plate of Pasta all’Amatriciana. It’s delicious. And every little bit helps.

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(Via Mashable)