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Spaghetti with Artichokes, Lemon and Capers

Spaghetti con Carciofi, Limone e Capperi

Cuisine: Italian
Region: South

Artichokes are abundant and much revered in Italy, and elsewhere. This is a classic, mouthwatering spaghetti with artichokes dish from Southern Italy. Enjoy!

Serves: 6-8
Cooking time: approx. 15 to 20 min
You need: a pot, a saucepan and a platter.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 Tsp chilli flakes
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 can, about 340g or 12 oz, of quartered artichokes, drained
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, and a bit more to garnish
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 500g, or 1 Lb. spaghetti (or other pasta that you may have)
  • 1/3 cup capers, drained
  • 3 Tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, and a bit more to garnish
  • Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

For the sauce

  1. Take a large saucepan, add the oil and turn the fire on to medium high.
  2. Add the garlic, the onion and the chilli flakes.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 min – until golden brown.
  4. Add the wine and the artichokes.
  5. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the wine is reduced to half.
  6. Stir in the grated cheese and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Set it aside and cover it to keep it warm.

For the pasta

  1. Take a large pot, fill it up with 4 to 6 Liters or Quarts of water and salt it generously.
  2. Turn the fire on to high and bring the water to a boil.
  3. Add the pasta and stir from time to time.
  4. Cook until al dente – according to the instructions on the pasta box.
  5. When done, drain the water but reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Combine

  1. Add the pasta and the 1/4 cup pasta water to the saucepan with the reserved sauce.
  2. Turn on the fire to medium high and cook about for 5 minutes more.
  3. With the fire still on, add the capers, the parsley, the lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss to combine.
  5. Turn off the fire, transfer to a platter and garnish with more cheese and parsley.

Notes on Spaghetti with Artichokes, Lemon and Capers

  • Try to buy real Parmesan cheese, and grate it at home. It does make a difference.

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