Pasta Alla Igor Recipes

SPAGHETTI AGLIO E OLIO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and salt the water well (about 2 tablespoons of kosher salt). Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dante or a little before (mine took about 9 minutes). Before you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve about 1 ½ cups of the pasta cook water.
• Meanwhile, 4 minutes after you add the pasta to the boiling water, warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, tossing regularly until the garlic is just turning golden brown (manage the heat well so that the garlic does not overcook). Add the red pepper flakes and toss for 30 seconds or so. If the pasta is not ready, move the oil off the heat for now.
• Carefully ladle the reserved pasta cooking water in the pan. Bring to a simmer until the liquid reduces by about 1/3.
• Add the cooked pasta and toss around for a couple of minutes. Turn the heat off and add the parmesan and parsley. Toss to combine.
• Allow the pasta a couple more minutes to rest and absorb the sauce. Serve with more Parmesan and red pepper flakes to the side.

SPAGHETTI AGLIO E OLIO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water before you drain the pasta.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a pot large enough to hold the pasta, such as a 12-inch saute pan or a large, shallow pot. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it just begins to turn golden on the edges-don't overcook it! Add the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more. Carefully add the reserved pasta-cooking water to the garlic and oil and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about a third.
• Add the drained pasta to the garlic sauce and toss. Off the heat, add the parsley and Parmesan and toss well. Allow the pasta to rest off the heat for 5 minutes for the sauce to be absorbed. Taste for seasoning and serve warm with extra Parmesan on the side.

PASTA ALLA NORMA

Steps:

• Toss the aubergines with the salt, then tip into a colander set over a bowl for 30 mins, to extract any moisture.
• Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a casserole dish or saucepan. Tip in the onion and a pinch of salt, and cook over a low heat for 10 mins. Add the garlic and chilli, and cook for 1 min. Tip in the tomatoes and sugar, and bring to the simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 20 mins, stirring occasionally. Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7.
• Pat the aubergine dry with kitchen paper, then toss with the remaining oil. Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 mins until softened and golden around the edges. Meanwhile, cook the pasta following pack instructions, reserving 100ml of the cooking water.
• Stir the aubergine into the sauce with the basil and capers. Season to taste, then toss the spaghetti in the pan with the sauce and a splash of the pasta water. Divide between four bowls and top with the ricotta and extra basil, if using.