Friday, January 21, 2011

Spaghetti with Lemon and Olive Oil (al Limone)

Another delicious sauce-less recipe and my current favorite!  Sorry pasta porcini you have slipped from the #1 spot.  If ya'll like it maybe David could cook it the night before the Bridge Run. 

Prepared by: David
Source: Cooks Illustrated
You will need:

Table Salt
1 pound spaghetti
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1 medium shallot, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons finely grated zest and 1/4 cup juice from 3 lemons
1 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
Ground black pepper
2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil leaves

Prep:

1. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large Dutch oven over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta to boiling water; cook, stirring frequently, until al dente. Reserve 1 & 3/4 cups cooking water, drain pasta into colander, and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in now-empty Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add shallot and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until shallot is softened, about 2 minutes. Whisk 1 & 1/2 cups reserved pasta cooking water and cream into pot; bring to simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove pot from heat, return pasta, and stir until coated. Stir in remaining 3 tablespoons oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

3. Cover and let pasta stand 2 minutes, tossing frequently and adjusting consistency with remaining 1/4 cup reserved pasta water if necessary. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, drizzling individual portions with oil and sprinkling with cheese.

NOTE: Let the dish rest briefly before serving so the flavors develop and the sauce thickens.

2 comments:

  1. Although the recipe says use a dutch oven it will work just fine with any old pot.

    ReplyDelete
  2. David said I should mention that it was a faux pas to have red wine with this dish.

    ReplyDelete