I have two favourite pasta dishes, spaghetti arrabiata and spaghetti aglio e olio. Of the two, one of them brings me a bit more comfort and joy. When I eat it, I savour every fork full and if you listen carefully, you will even hear ‘mmmm‘. You’re probably wondering which pasta dish it is, well let me tell you …
It is spaghetti aglio e olio.
When times are so uncertain and everything is in shambles, the one thing we guaranteed to get comfort from is food. And for me, a bowl of spaghetti aglio e olio is better than a tight 5 minute hug. That is how much comfort it gives me.
Spaghetti aglio e olio is a traditional Italian pasta dish from Naples. A typical dish of Neapolitan cuisine. The dish is made by lightly sautéing sliced, minced, or pressed garlic in olive oil, sometimes with the addition of dried red chili flakes, and tossing with spaghetti. You can also add tomato, anchovies or even olives.
I love making a big pot of this pasta at home. There is just something so therapeutic about pouring myself a glass of wine while letting the smell of sautéed garlic permeate through the kitchen.
Read: My recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio with roasted tomatoes and olives
Most Italian restaurants have spaghetti aglio e olio on the menu. The two that always do it right for me is Pomodoro in Morningside and Old Town Italy in Melrose Arch or Pretoria.
So there you have it. My most favourite and comforting pasta dish. What is yours?
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