PASTA WITH LEMON, GARLIC AND OLIVE OIL
The dish "Pasta with Lemon, Garlic, and Olive Oil" is a testament to the Italian culinary philosophy of celebrating high-quality, fresh ingredients in simple yet delectable combinations. It showcases the bright zestiness of freshly squeezed lemon juice paired with the aromatic sharpness of fresh garlic, both brought together by the rich, fruity notes of extra virgin olive oil. The chosen pasta, such as the timeless spaghetti or tender linguine, provides the perfect foundation for these vibrant flavors to shine. This meal is an exercise in harmony, where elements like red pepper flakes for warmth and fresh parsley for color are used sparingly to accentuate without overpowering the main ingredients. Each of these is chosen not only for their individual tastes but also for their collective symphony on the plate, embodying the spirit of Italian cooking – where less is often more, and the quality of each element is given the space to stand out. For detailed guidance on creating this refreshing delight, italytodayrestaurant.com offers step-by-step instructions from the experienced head chef of Italy Today Restaurant.
Equipment
- 1 small saucepan
Ingredients
- 400 g 14 oz pasta like spaghetti or linguine or Tagliatelle
- 2 lemons
- 2 garlic cloves
- 8 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 100 g 3.5 oz grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper.
Instructions
- Finely grate the lemon zest without damaging the white part of the rind, which is bitter. Finely chop the garlic.
- In a small saucepan, cook garlic in olive oil, when it begins to brown lightly, deglaze with the vinegar then add pepper.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water. Drain but keep about 5 cl (2 oz) of the cooking water.
- Put the pasta and the 5 cl (2 oz) of the cooking water in a pan, add the garlic cooked in oil and deglazed in vinegar. Add lemon zest and half of the grated Parmesan. Briefly mix everything without taking too long to not cook the pasta. Add more olive oil if it seems a bit dry.
- Serve pasta and sprinkle with the remaining grated Parmesan.