Super Simple & Luxurious Aglio e Olio
Agli o e Olio (Super Simple! Luxurious!)
Let’s make Aglio e Olio, which is just a tad more challenging than instant ramen! This recipe guides you through creating a sophisticated dish with ease.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: about the size of a 500-won coin (for 1 serving)
- Garlic: 6 cloves
- Peperoncino: a pinch (adjust to your spice preference)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 Tbsp
- Bacon: optional, if you like
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 Tbsp of salt. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes, or about 1 minute less than the package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the ingredients that will add flavor to your Aglio e Olio. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm wide. You can leave the peperoncino whole or break them into smaller pieces.
Step 3
Now, heat a wide pan over **very low heat** and add 3 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. The key here is to gently sauté the garlic to release its aroma without burning it. Stir the garlic as it cooks until it turns a light golden brown and becomes fragrant.
Step 4
Once the garlic’s aroma starts to develop, add the peperoncino and bacon to the pan. Continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes over medium-low heat, allowing the spicy notes of the peperoncino and the savory flavor of the bacon to infuse into the oil. Cook until the bacon is nicely browned.
Step 5
Add the drained spaghetti (cooked for 8 minutes) to the pan. Toss well with the sautéed garlic, peperoncino, and bacon. This step is about ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful oil.
Step 6
At this point, add about 5 Tbsp of the reserved pasta water to the pan. The pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth, glossy coating for the pasta. Continue to stir and toss as the liquid reduces slightly, binding the oil and pasta together for a luscious finish. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7
Your Aglio e Olio is now complete, beautifully coated and glistening! Transfer it to a warm serving plate. You can now enjoy a sophisticated, restaurant-quality Aglio e Olio right in your own home. Enjoy your delicious meal!