Aglio e olio: Your guide to Italy's effortless classic
Aglio e olio is one of the simplest and most classic Italian dishes, originating from Naples. Its name literally means "garlic and oil," perfectly capturing the essence of the dish. The basic ingredients are pasta, garlic, and olive oil, and it can be prepared in just a few minutes.
Spaghetti aglio e olio is a quick dish that doesn't require a sauce to impress with its taste. Instead, a few herbs and spices are enough to create a delicious meal using inexpensive pasta as the base. Phil Bianchi, a culinary expert and founder of The Gift of Oil, shares his recipe for this simple yet sophisticated dish.
Spaghetti aglio e olio - Step by step recipe
To prepare spaghetti aglio e olio, you only need six ingredients that are often found in every kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 9 oz of spaghetti or other long pasta,
- 2 fl oz of good quality olive oil,
- 2 cloves of garlic, sliced,
- 0.5 teaspoon of dried chili flakes,
- A handful of finely chopped parsley,
- 0.4 oz of Parmesan, more to taste,
- Salt to taste.
Preparation:
- To prepare the dish, start by boiling salted water in a pot, then add the spaghetti to the boiling water.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a pan, add the garlic and chili flakes, and sauté gently until the garlic turns golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Once the garlic is ready, add the parsley, then the drained pasta, reserving some cooking water. Phil Bianchi emphasizes that the pasta water helps maintain its moisture.
- Finally, mix the pasta with the seasoned oil over medium heat for 30 seconds, then sprinkle with extra parsley and generously grated Parmesan.
Variations and additions
Although traditional aglio e olio consists of just a few ingredients, there are various variations of this dish. For a more refined taste, you can add shrimp and white wine, giving the dish a unique character. It's also worth trying a version with cherry tomatoes, which add freshness.
Spaghetti aglio e olio is an excellent example of how simple ingredients can create an exquisite dish. With this recipe, anyone can feel like a master chef in just 10 minutes.
