Sicut Olim

A symbol dish of Italian cuisine that transforms a few high-quality ingredients into a perfect combination of flavors. This recipe celebrates extra virgin olive oil as the absolute protagonist.

Ingredients (for 2 people):

• 200 g of spaghetti (preferably high-quality durum wheat)
• 2 cloves of garlic (fresh and not too large)
• 1 fresh or dried chili pepper (season to taste, based on your tolerance for spiciness)
• 5-6 tablespoons of intense fruity extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional, for a touch of color and freshness)
• Sale q.b.

Procedure:

1. Prepare the water for the pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt (about 10 g per liter of water) and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
2. Prepare the seasoning:
   • Peel the garlic cloves and crush them gently with the back of a knife (without cutting them completely). This allows the flavor to be released without burning them.
   • In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over low heat.
   • Add the garlic cloves and let them fry gently until golden (about 2-3 minutes). The oil should absorb the aroma of the garlic without burning.
   • Add the chili pepper sliced into rounds (if fresh) or crumbled (if dried) and stir gently for 30 seconds.
3. Drain the pasta:
   • When the spaghetti is al dente, drain it, reserving about one cup of the cooking water.
4. Sauté the pasta in the pan:
   • Transfer the spaghetti to the pan with the sauce and mix well to combine the flavors.
   • If necessary, add a little pasta cooking water to create a creamier consistency.
5. Guarnire e servire:
   • Impiatta la pasta calda e aggiungi un filo d’olio extravergine d’oliva a crudo per esaltare il sapore.
   • Se lo desideri, aggiungi una spolverata di prezzemolo fresco tritato.

Extra Tips:

• Customization: If you want a bolder flavor, try adding a pinch of grated lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice.
• Variants: You can enhance the dish with anchovies melted in oil or a touch of toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
• Wine Pairing: Pair pasta with a fresh and light white wine, such as Vermentino or Pinot Grigio.