Spicy and Flavorful Cheongyang Pepper Aglio e Olio
Aglio e Olio with Cheongyang Peppers
Enjoy a deliciously spicy Aglio e Olio without the need for chili flakes! This recipe incorporates fresh Cheongyang peppers, a popular Korean chili, to add a unique and vibrant heat. The aromatic garlic, savory bacon, and the subtle sweetness of onions create a rich and deeply satisfying flavor profile. This pasta is an impressive yet surprisingly easy dish, perfect for anyone wanting a special meal at home.
Main Ingredients- 200g Spaghetti
- 3 strips thick-cut Bacon (approx. 100g)
- 2 Cheongyang Peppers
- 6 cloves Garlic
- 1/3 Onion
Sauce & Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Salt (for pasta water)
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
- Approx. 3 Tbsp Pasta Water (reserved from cooking spaghetti)
- 1 Tbsp Salt (for pasta water)
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
- Approx. 3 Tbsp Pasta Water (reserved from cooking spaghetti)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide pan over low heat. Add thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté gently. It’s crucial to cook the garlic slowly so it releases its aroma without burning, which would make it bitter. Once the garlic turns golden, its fragrant flavor will infuse the oil.
Step 2
As the garlic begins to turn golden, add the thinly sliced onion and sauté together. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and releases a sweet aroma. This step removes any bitterness from the garlic and enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
Step 3
Add the bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1.5cm wide), and cook until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy. Rendering the bacon fat will add even more delicious flavor to the sauce.
Step 4
Remove the seeds from the Cheongyang peppers, slice them thinly, and add them to the pan. Sauté briefly until the spicy fragrance of the peppers becomes noticeable. Reduce the heat slightly at this point. (You can also add sliced mushrooms here if you like.)
Step 5
While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and cook the spaghetti until it’s 1-2 minutes shy of al dente according to package directions. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the starchy pasta water before draining. Drain the spaghetti and immediately add it to the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Add the reserved pasta water and toss everything together quickly to coat the pasta evenly. The pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the strands.
Step 6
Once the pasta and sauce are well combined, turn off the heat. Transfer the pasta to a warm serving plate. A final drizzle of olive oil can add a lovely sheen and extra flavor. Your delicious Cheongyang Pepper Aglio e Olio is now ready to enjoy!
