Aglio e Olio

Aglio e Olio, or as we say it in English, garlic and oil pasta, is an Italian classic with a simplicity that belies its incredible flavor. This dish demonstrates that less is indeed more, as it unapologetically rides on the robust flavors of garlic and the fruity richness of good quality olive oil. It’s an unassuming hero, perfect for those late-night hunger frustrations, an impromptu dinner date, or a quick meal option when you’re in no mood for elaborate cooking. You bet you’re gonna love it – because it’s effortless, it’s comforting, and it’s dripping with bold flavors that make your taste buds do a little dance.

Now, let’s talk about some basic cooking statistiques:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings

All set to crank up the stove and start cooking? Let’s jump into the world of Italian cuisine!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 200 grams of Spaghetti
• 6 cloves of Garlic
• 1/2 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Parsley for garnishing
• Salt to taste

And as for the equipment, you’ll need:

• A Large pot
• A Pan
• Garlic Crusher (optional)

The secret to Aglio e Olio is in the garlic and the olive oil. Use fresh, large garlic cloves and high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best experience. As for substitutes, you can replace spaghetti with any other pasta of your liking.

How To Make Aglio e Olio

1. First up, bring a large pot of salty water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the red pepper flakes and simmer on low, stirring occasionally until the spaghetti is ready.
3. Drain the cooked pasta, save about 1 cup of pasta water. Add the drained spaghetti to the garlic oil sauce, along with some pasta water. Stir well to emulsify the sauce.
4. Finish off your dish with some fresh parsley and enjoy this simplicity at its best.

Tips For The Best Results

• Do not burn the garlic. It should only be golden.
• Save the pasta water. It helps in binding the sauce together.

Storage Tips

• You can refrigerate this pasta for 2 days. Heat it before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I add cheese in Aglio e Olio?
A: Traditionally, cheese is not added in this dish. But you can if you want.

Q: Is this suitable for vegan?
A: Yes, it is completely vegan.

Q: What pasta should I use?
A: Spaghetti is traditionally used. But feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.

Q: Can I add meat?
A: Adding meat changes the dish into something else. But you can if that’s your preference.

Q: Can I use normal vegetable oil instead of olive oil?
A: Olive oil is the essential ingredient. But if you don’t have it, you can use vegetable oil. Just keep in mind, it will alter the taste significantly.

Nutritional Facts of Aglio e Olio

Each serving of Aglio e Olio roughly contains 400 calories, 58 g of carbs, 16 g of protein, and 12 g of fat.

And that, my friends, is how you make a stunning Aglio e Olio! It’s a no-frills, straightforward dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it with some crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the simplicity and authenticity of this Italian staple and don’t forget to share your experience with us. Buon appetito!