Staying true to my Lankan roots, my favourite carb will always be rice followed by crusty bread! But I love pasta for their convenience and versatility! They make great packed lunches which are also super fast to whip up the night before.

Aglio Oglio is one of my go to recipes on days that I really want something delish in a hurry. It’s simplicity of flavours hits all the right notes in my mouth!

Being an absolute sucker for prawns – specially when combined with garlic and butter, almost all the time, I make prawns my protein for Aglio Olio. But sadly, since my better half is really truly allergic to prawns (and crabs too!), I often substitute his share with shredded chicken (I know I’m sweet like that! :D). It’s a pretty versatile dish and you could even substitute button mushrooms if you are a vegetarian.

Cast of Characters:

• Spaghetti
• Prawns seasoned with soya sauce for an Asian twist (Prawn haters can substitute chicken or mushrooms instead =X)
• Garlic
• Olive oil (+ butter if you love your butter like me!)
• Chilli flakes
• Salt

Props:

• A large pot
• A strainer
• A saucepan

How to:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt and a splash of oil
• Once it’s bubbling vigorously, add in the pasta and let it cook till al-dente
• Drain the pasta and set aside. Remember to leave some of the pasta boiled water for later (I picked this tip from THE domestic goddess of all time –  Nigella Lawson <3)
• In a separate pan, heat up olive oil  (+ butter) and add in the prawns and let it turn orange in colour. Or chicken or mushrooms if you prefer that instead.
• Add in the chopped garlic, stir and breathe in the world’s yummiest aroma.
• Come back to reality and mix in the chilli flakes and season the garlicky prawns with some salt too
• Mix in a little bit of the pasta boiled water and add in the pasta in and stir well. The pasta water helps emulsify the pasta and also creates a medium for the flavours to blend in
• Check the seasoning one last time, add in herbs if you will, and serve!

 

 

Tips:

• Slitting prawns lengthwise will make it curl up so beautifully while cooking – try it, it’s worth the effort!
• Remember to stir the pasta while it’s boiling away and never forget the bit of oil, it helps the pasta to remain as individual strands without clumping together.