Spaghetti aglio e olio (spaghetti with olive oil and garlic)

If you are wondering what to cook, something super simple, super quick and using minimal ingredients you already have on hand - then you are missing out if you don't make this! It is so yummy with minimal effort.

• Skill level: Easy
• Serves: 5-6 people
• Total time: 15 mins

What you need:

boiling water

1 + 1/2 tbsp salt

500g spaghetti

1/3 cup olive oil

5 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced

handful fresh parsley, chopped

zest of one lemon (or add a little bit of zest per portion)

hard cheese (alternative to parmesan), grated

How to make:

1) In a large pot, add the water and salt over medium heat. Once the water is bubbling, add the spaghetti and give it a mix. Cook according to packet instructions or until al dente (for me 10 mins was perfect). Do not drain fully, reserve at least half a cup of pasta water 

2) Meanwhile, in a pot, put the olive oil and garlic. Turn the heat onto low and let the garlic gently cook. The more gentle it is the longer the garlic has to infuse the oil

3) Once the garlic starts to slightly change colour, add the parsley and mix

4) When the garlic turns golden (you do not want it to cook too much or it will become bitter), add a few spoons from the reserved pasta water (which will stop the cooking process of the garlic)

5) Add the spaghetti into the olive oil garlic mix, give it a good mix to incorporate it all, then add the lemon zest and grated hard cheese and serve

The lemon zest brings out the flavours, and it tastes so fresh and vibrant! What an easy, quick and delicious dish to try! Give it a go and enjoy :)