Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino (Spaghetti with Garlic, Oil and Hot Chili Pepper)

This is one of the simplest and quickest Italian recipes, traditionally from the south but now popular all over the country and, it seems, all over the world too.  This dish, a firework-like explosion of flavors in your mouth, is one that you will not easily forget. This recipe is as easy as throwing together some simple ingredients that are always on hand in a typical Italian kitchen such as spaghetti, garlic, hot chili pepper and olive oil, and the result is delightful. The dominant flavor of peperoncino (hot chili pepper and not pepperoni! – for more information of this spice click on spaghetti alla puttanesca) blends well with the garlic and olive oil. You can enjoy it either as a first course in an informal Italian meal or as a main course accompanied by a salad, if you prefer. There is also the classic spaghettata di mezzanotte (midnight spaghetti) or better known as a “midnight snack”!

SPAGHETTI AGLIO, OLIO E PEPERONCINO (SPAGHETTI WITH GARLIC, OIL AND HOT CHILI PEPPER)

Preparation time: 15 minutes                Cooking time: 10 minutes              Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

340 g (12 oz) spaghetti, artisanal pasta is preferred
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
80 ml (⅓ cup) olive oil (Extra Virgin)
2 fresh or dried hot chili peppers, seeded and shredded
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti al dente according to the cooking time indicated on the package (usually 10-12 min.)
2. In the meantime sauté the garlic and chili pepper for 1-2 min. in a skillet over medium heat, taking care not to burn the ingredients
3. Before draining the pasta, reserve 3 tablespoons of cooking water. Drain the pasta and transfer to the skillet.  Add the cooking water, some parsley, mix well and serve.  If you like you can add some grated parmesan cheese  or grated pecorino cheese on top, although according to some traditional recipes, cheese should not be added.  –Paola