Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino (Italian Garlic Oil and Chilies)

It’s undeniable: pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino (pasta with garlic, oil and chili) are one of those dishes that makes you fall in love. When you do not know what to prepare or you crave a delicious, irresistible dish with an essential and pure flavour, garlic and oil emerge from the depths of the pantry. The stunning garlic aroma gently roasting in the pan is celestial, yet primordial, has something magic: is a symphony that touches hidden chords, a mixture of home fragrance, Mediterranean charm and the sun that burns your eyes. Pasta aglio, olio e peperoncino has Neapolitan roots and falls within the category of “poor recipes”, made with humble ingredients, but in the end it has never disappointed a hungry soul. Not to mention that the massive amount of garlic is great for fighting hypertension and arteriosclerosis, but also bronchitis and asthma, since it is a good bactericide.

Sauce:
4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
2 fresh chili peppers, seeds removed
⅓ cup + 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Pasta:
1 lb long pasta, such as spaghetti, fettucine or linguine
4 Tbsp. sea salt

Garnish:
flat-leaf parsley or basil leaves
sea salt
red pepper chili flakes
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked

The recipe is simple, with one caution, be careful not burn the garlic. It must cook gently, but not get too browned or it becomes bitter.

Place a pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil. When it boils, add salt, wait for it to come back to boil and then add pasta and cook to “al dente”.

In the meantime peel garlic, crush it with the blade of a knife and chop it finely. Cut chili into thin slices.

Needless to say, a top notch extra virgin oil is the secret for making the perfect pasta with garlic, oil and chili, so pull out of the pantry the good stuff!

Put ⅓ cup of oil in a pan, turn the stove on low heat and then put garlic and chili in. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring to avoid sticking to the pan.

Drain pasta (reserve water in a pot under the colander) and put them in the pan, adding a little bit of cooking water and finish to cook pasta.

Check if the salt is ok, sprinkle some fresh ground pepper, chili flakes and parsley if you like and serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings.