Spicy Prawns and Spaghetti Aglio Olio (Garlic and Oil)

Method

Spicy Prawns and Spaghetti Aglio Olio (Garlic and Oil)

Combine prawns with next 6 ingredients and toss to coat prawns evenly.

Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium high heat, and then add half of the prawns. Cook prawns 3 minutes until pink and just firm. Remove prawns to a warm platter and repeat process with remaining prawns.

Return pan to heat and reduce heat to medium low. Add 60ml extra-virgin olive oil. Add anchovies, garlic, and pepper flakes to oil. Break up anchovies with a wooden spoon until they melt away into the oil and garlic mixture.

Toss spaghetti in the pan with parsley and the garlic oil, then season with a little coarse salt, to your taste. Top servings of garlic and oil spaghetti with spicy prawns and serve with Tomato and Onion Salad and Crusty Bread.

Cook's Notes: Prepare the prawns while the pasta is cooking.

Prep your garlic and parsley for aglio olio and set them, as well as drained pasta and remaining ingredients all within arm's reach of your stove top.

The aroma will be intense! Cooked anchovies have a salted-nutty (rather than fishy) taste that compliments the garlic as it sweetens and softens.

Tomato and Onion Salad:

5 medium plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, gently seeded, and thinly sliced

1 small white skinned onion, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced

10g chopped flat-leaf parsley (a couple of handfuls)

A generous drizzle extra-virgin olive oil, about 2 tablespoons

Coarse salt and black pepper

Crusty Bread, as an accompaniment

Toss the tomatoes and onions with the chopped parsley, oil, salt, and pepper. Let stand while you prepare dinner, about 20 minutes. Re-toss and serve salad with crusty bread for mopping up juices and oil.