Rachel Roddy is a great inspiration for us in the kitchen. Her recipes are so simple but just right. This spaghetti dish has no pepper or cheese and doesn’t need them, it’s delicious as it is and a treat at any time of year.
Wine Suggestion: We were inspired by the bright Spring day and this dish to open the Spiaggia Marche Bianco. A youthful Verdicchio from the Sartarelli family who live and breathe Verdicchio. Joyful and charming; everything we were hoping for.
Spaghetti aglio, olio al limone – serves 4
- 2 large unwaxed lemons, zest grated
- a large handful of flat-leaf parsley, very finely chopped
- 500g spaghetti
- 1-2 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
- 1 small dried chilli or a pinch of dried chilli flakes
- 6 tbsp of olive oil
Mix the lemon zest and chopped parsley together and set aside.
Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add lots of salt, then stir in the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
Meanwhile, very gently warm the olive oil in a large frying pan with the chopped garlic and chilli. You want it to be fragrant but be very careful not to burn it.
Use tongs to lift the spaghetti out of the water and into the frying pan, you want a little of the residual cooking water. Stir the spaghetti to coat in the oil, then add the lemon zest and parsley and a pinch of salt. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like, we usually don’t feel it needs it. Divide between warm pasta bowls.
(Original recipe from Two Kitchens: Family Recipes from Sicily and Rome by Rachel Roddy, Headline Home, 2017.)
Jono & Jules do food & wine 
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