By Joanna Barajas
Aglio e Olio
Does time feel like it’s running out? There’s the shopping, the gifts and Santa to see.
Cooking is probably not the first thing on your to-do list these days. So, I wanted to share an emergency kit pasta recipe. You don’t have to go to the grocery store for this one because you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now.
It’s called “aglio e olio” or “garlic and oil” pasta.
So when you get home from all the shopping and don’t know what to eat, make this. It’s comforting and super tasty.
Aglio e Olio
Serves 2
Ingredients:
• ½ lb. linguine or spaghetti
• 4-5 large cloves garlic, sliced thin
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 Tbsp salt
• ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional)
• ½ lemon (optional)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Then, add salt once boiling. Cook pasta according to package directions till al dente (a bite to it).
2. In a large sauté pan, add oil and heat until shimmering. Then, add garlic. Cook for just a couple minutes or golden brown. Don’t walk away! It burns fast. Take off heat immediately once it just starts turning golden brown because it continues to brown off heat. This is a crucial step so have all your wits about you. If it burns, start over. The flavor will be burnt.
3. Have the pan off the heat. Once pasta is al dente, add pasta to the pan with garlic, oil and red pepper flakes. I like to add pasta with tongs, so some of the water gets into the pan. (Starchy water helps to make a thicker sauce) Reserve some pasta water if it gets dry in the pan. Toss pasta, still off heat.
4. Then, squeeze half a lemon on top. Plate pasta and top with parsley and chili oil if desired.
I hope you try this new recipe! Snap a picture and tag me @chefjoannas on instagram so I see how yours came out.
Chef Joanna is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and is a private chef for the stars. She also hosts pop up dinners and cooking classes inspired by her travels around the world. You can find more of her work at www.chefjoannas.com\
For More Recipes Visit www.zapinin.com/food.