Macaroni con Pomodori

Serves 3 to 4

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 14 ounce can tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• half-teaspoon sugar
• half-teaspoon chilli powder
• 8 ounces short cut macaroni
• 4 rashers smoked bacon, derinded and chopped
• 2 ounces grated cheese
• 14 ounce can tomatoes
• 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 6 mushrooms, chopped

Method

1. Fry onion, garlic, bacon and chilli gently for 10 minutes.
2. Drain off excess fat.
3. Add mushrooms, pepper, tomatoes and sugar.
4. Bring to the boil, stirring, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Cook the macaroni until 'al dente', drain thoroughly.
6. Arrange alternative layers of pasta, sauce and cheese in an oven proof dish, finishing with cheese.
7. Cover with foil and place in preheated oven 150 degrees C, 300 degrees F, gas 4-5, for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavours to blend.
8. This is an easy supper dish, delicious served with a crisp green salad.