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Spaghetti in Lemon Sauce

Aug 23, 2024
4 min read

Updated: 3 days ago



  • This delightful Mediterranean Spaghetti in Lemon Sauce recipe hails from the picturesque region of Calabria in Italy, renowned for its vibrant culinary traditions and fresh, flavorful ingredients. In Calabria, this dish is a staple, often enjoyed as a light yet satisfying meal that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The simplicity of the preparation makes it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, allowing you to savor the rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.


Quick and Easy Preparation

  • One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its efficiency. You can have this delicious meal ready in no time, making it a perfect option for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings. The entire process, from boiling the spaghetti to tossing it in the aromatic lemon sauce, takes only a short while. This speed does not compromise the dish's quality; rather, it enhances the freshness of the ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.


Economical and Healthy Ingredients

  • The ingredients required for this Mediterranean delight are not only economical but also packed with nutritional benefits. The main components include spaghetti, which serves as the hearty base of the dish, and a few key flavor enhancers: butter, fresh lemon juice, fragrant basil, and finely grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients are often staples in many households, meaning you likely have most of them on hand already. The use of fresh lemon adds a zesty brightness that uplifts the entire meal, while basil contributes a fragrant herbaceous note that complements the other flavors beautifully.


A Symphony of Flavors

  • When you prepare this dish, you will experience a delightful symphony of flavors that are characteristic of Mediterranean cooking. The creamy butter melds with the tangy lemon juice to create a luscious sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly. The addition of Parmesan cheese not only adds a savory depth but also a satisfying creaminess that makes each bite irresistible. The fresh basil leaves, added just before serving, provide a pop of color and a burst of aromatic freshness, making this dish not only delicious but visually appealing as well.


Versatility for Any Meal

  • This Mediterranean Spaghetti in Lemon Sauce is incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it for lunch or dinner with ease. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as a crisp green salad or some crusty bread, enhancing the overall dining experience. You can also customize the recipe by incorporating additional ingredients that you may have at home, such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or even grilled chicken, to make it more substantial if desired.


Conclusion

  • In conclusion, this Mediterranean Spaghetti in Lemon Sauce recipe is a wonderful representation of Calabrian cuisine, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that is both healthy and full of flavor. With its quick preparation time and economical nature, it stands out as a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious homemade dish without the fuss. Follow the recipe, and indulge in the vibrant tastes of Italy right from your own kitchen.

Ingredi0ents: simple, total time: 15 min., 2 serving
  • 200 g spaghetti

  • 1 lemon zest/ 1/2 cut in pieces, other 1/2 grated zest

  • 1/2 lemon juice

  • 40 g butter

  • 2 basil leaves/ finely chopped

  • Salt to taste

  • 3-4 Tablespoons liquid from cooking spaghetti

  • 20 g Parmesan cheese, grated / 2 Tbsp

  • 1 Tablespoon Olive oil EVO/ or to taste

spaghetti-in-lemon-sauce
Spaghetti and Lemon Sauce
Preparation:
  • Grate 1/2 lemon peel and Parmesan cheese. Cut the other half of the lemon into pieces. Divide the lemon peel into 3 parts.

  • Prepare the lemon sauce 5 minutes before the end of cooking the spaghetti.


Cooking Spaghetti;

  1. Pour water, a teaspoon of sea salt, and lemon zest in pieces into a deep pot and wait for it to boil.

  2. Add spaghetti and cook al dente according to package directions.

  3. Remove 5–6 tablespoons of pasta water in a small bowl.

  4. Drain the spaghetti well and leave in a colander


Lemon Sauce:

  1. In a wide pan, pour olive oil just to coat the pan, and add grated 1/2 lemon zest.

  2. After that, immediately add butter and lemon juice, stir, and simmer for about 3 minutes on low-moderate heat. At the same time, be careful not to burn your lemon zest.

  3. Add a spoonful of pasta liquid and a little salt to it.

  4. After that, immediately add the cooked spaghetti and mix with 1 chopped basil leaf.

  5. Reduce heat, add rest of basil leaf, lemon zest, and stir. At this point, you can add 2 tablespoons of Parmesan with 3-4 tablespoons of the spaghetti liquid and stir quickly for about 1 minute and turn off the heat.

  6. Serve warm in shallow plates, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Buon appetito!


NOTE:
  • When grating the lemon rind, be careful not to grate the white part because then the sauce will be bitter!

  • In this recipe, I did not have fresh basil, but you must add it because it will give an even better aroma.

  • Don't forget to take out 5 tablespoons of the liquid where the spaghetti was cooked


  • Use the contact form for questions or advice.

  • I would be happy if you would comment on my recipes and give them a like.

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Trieste, FVG, Italy

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