Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly marries the rich sweetness of caramelized onions with a fiery kick! Our "Linguine with Hot Chile Caramelized Onion Gremolata" is not just a meal; it's an experience that will elevate your dinner table to gourmet status. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this Italian delight that serves four, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends. Are you ready to discover the secret to creating a pasta dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While water is heating, peel and thinly slice the onions into uniform, half-moon shapes using a sharp knife.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and red pepper flakes, stirring to coat evenly with oil.
- Cook onions slowly, stirring occasionally, allowing them to caramelize and turn golden brown. This process will take about 15-18 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Once water is boiling, add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, finely chop fresh parsley and zest the lemon, combining them in a small bowl to create the gremolata.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the linguine.
- Drain pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with caramelized onions. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle the parsley-lemon gremolata over the pasta, tossing once more to distribute evenly.
- Serve hot, with additional red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Perfectly Caramelized Onions: Patience is key! Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat to achieve that deep golden color and sweet flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and don’t rush the process.
- Salt the Pasta Water: Be generous with the salt when boiling your pasta. It should taste like the sea! This step enhances the overall flavor of the linguine.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. For a milder version, use less, or for a fiery kick, add more!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh parsley and a good-quality olive oil for the gremolata. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavors and elevate the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it hot and toss in extra red pepper flakes and freshly ground black pepper for an added flavor boost!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
