Sicilian Lemon Pasta Food

LEMON LINGUINE

Steps:

• Cook the linguine in a pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions, then drain and return to the pan.
• Meanwhile, finely grate the zest from 1 lemon into a bowl, then squeeze in the juice from all three.
• Drizzle in 6 tablespoons of oil, and finely grate in the Parmesan, then beat together - it'll go thick and creamy.
• Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper, and extra lemon juice, if needed. Pick and finely chop the basil leaves.
• Add the lemony sauce to the linguine and shake the pan to coat each strand of pasta (the Parmesan will melt when mixed with the pasta).
• Finish by stirring through the chopped basil and rocket.

LEMON SPAGHETTI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook as the label directs for al dente.
• Meanwhile, combine the olive oil and lemon zest and juice in a large skillet. When you are about to drain the spaghetti, turn the heat under the skillet to medium. Reserve 1 cup pasta-cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and transfer to the skillet. Add 3/4 cup of the reserved cooking water and toss to combine. Add the butter and cook, tossing quickly, until the sauce glazes the spaghetti, about 30 seconds; add more cooking water a few tablespoons at a time if the spaghetti seems dry. Add the parmesan and toss to melt; season with salt.
• Divide the spaghetti among bowls. Top generously with more Parmesan and coarse pepper.

SICILIAN CAULIFLOWER PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Meanwhile, trim the thick stems off the cauliflower and coarsely grate the florets on the large holes of a box grater (it's fine if some small florets remain whole). Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, raisins, garlic, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is crisp-tender and slightly browned, about 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the pasta, parsley, dill, lemon juice, cheese and 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking water. Add more cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season with salt. Serve with more grated cheese.

PASTA SICILIANO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place farfalle pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the garlic until lightly browned. Mix in red pepper and lemon juice. Stir in the pine nuts, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss in the cooked pasta and feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

AMALFI LEMON, CHILLI & ANCHOVY SPAGHETTI

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a low heat and fry the garlic for 2-3 mins, or until just turning golden at the edges. Remove from the heat and leave for 15 mins for the garlic to infuse in the oil.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta following pack instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 150ml of the cooking water. Remove the garlic from the infused oil, then tip in the cooked spaghetti, the chillies, anchovies, parsley, lemon zest and juice, and the parmesan. Add 50ml of the reserved water and toss with tongs until combined. Add a little more water to loosen, if you like. Season. Divide between four shallow bowls.