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Spaghetti alla Nerano

Food Wishes · ♥ 26.3K likes · 986K views · 10 min video

Read about ribbons and strands in the BrightCulinary Book

Spaghetti alla Nerano, from the video Makes 2
Timestamp
Ingredients
Method
Techniques
  • 3 whole fresh zucchini
Slice the zucchini all exactly the same thickness, about an eighth of an inch, by knife or on a mandoline using the guard or a protective glove.
  • sunflower oil
Deep-fry the zucchini in sunflower oil heated to 350, in small batches, about four to five minutes until lightly browned.
Shake off the excess oil and drain on paper towels, spread out; let cool to room temperature.
Transfer to a bowl, wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt
Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat; add the cold zucchini and a big pinch of salt.
Building the zucchini sauce
  • pasta water
  • spaghetti
Cook on medium, stirring occasionally, until it releases its juices and softens; add a couple splashes of the spaghetti's boiling salted water if dry, minding the water that comes with the pasta.
Break the zucchini up with the edge of a spoon or spatula, from chunky to nearly a puree.
Breaking it down to a puree
  • torn basil
  • 2 tbsp butter
When the spaghetti is about two minutes from al dente, lower the heat; add a little torn basil and a couple tablespoons of butter, stirring until the butter emulsifies into the sauce.
Basil, butter and the secret amount
Transfer the spaghetti into the sauce with tongs, letting some water come along, and toss to coat.
Tossing the spaghetti and the cheese
  • Parmesan
  • Toma
Mix in the grated cheese, half Parmesan and half Toma; adjust with a splash of pasta water and taste for salt.
Plate by twirling in a ladle with a meat fork; finish with more grated cheese and a small sprig of basil.