Spaghetti with Bottarga and Lemon Zest

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) spaghetti 250g (8.8 oz) spaghetti
• 50g (1.8 oz) bottarga, grated 50g (1.8 oz) bottarga, grated
• 1 lemon, zest finely grated 1 lemon, zest finely grated
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the lemon-infused oil.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the grated bottarga over the spaghetti and toss gently to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
5. 5.
   Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the spaghetti with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bottarga — Make sure to use high-quality bottarga for the best flavor. Grate it finely just before using to preserve its freshness and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to find your favorite combination with bottarga.
• If bottarga is not available, you can substitute it with grated Parmesan cheese for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
• Adjust the amount of lemon zest according to your preference for citrus flavor.
• Serve the spaghetti immediately after tossing to enjoy it at its best.

Serving advice

Serve the Spaghetti with Bottarga and Lemon Zest as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavors of the dish.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate of spaghetti with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the beautiful strands of spaghetti coated in the golden bottarga and lemon zest.