Lidia Bastianich Spaghetti With Olive Oil And Garlic
If you are a fan of Italian cuisine, you have probably heard of Lidia Bastianich. She is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for her authentic Italian dishes. One of her signature dishes is spaghetti with olive oil and garlic. In this article, we will take a closer look at this simple yet delicious recipe that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
To make Lidia Bastianich's spaghetti with olive oil and garlic, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have in your kitchen. The key to making this dish taste great is to use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- When the spaghetti is done, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water and drain the rest. Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil and toss to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved cooking water, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with more chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil if desired.
That's it! With these simple steps, you can make a delicious plate of spaghetti with olive oil and garlic that will impress your family and friends.
Variations
While Lidia Bastianich's spaghetti with olive oil and garlic is a classic dish, you can also experiment with different variations to make it your own. Here are some ideas:
- Add some chopped tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor and color.
- Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano cheese on top for a cheesy twist.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier option.
- Add some cooked shrimp, chicken, or sausage for a protein boost.
Feel free to get creative and try different combinations to find your favorite version of this classic dish.
Conclusion
Lidia Bastianich's spaghetti with olive oil and garlic is a simple yet delicious dish that you can make at home with just a few ingredients. By following these easy instructions, you can create a plate of spaghetti that tastes like it came from an authentic Italian restaurant. Whether you follow the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, this dish is sure to please your taste buds. So go ahead and give it a try!
