You Don’t Want to Miss This Pasta Aglio e Olio Recipe

Shutterstock // from my point of view

Have you ever seen a meal in a movie that looked so good that you wanted it for yourself? That’s what inspired this pasta aglio e olio recipe, which comes from Roy Choi, the chef who came up with all of the recipes for the film Chef. This pasta dish can be enjoyed with some garlic bread and a side dish of salad to add a more fresh and crunchy flavor.

How to Make It

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried spaghetti pasta
  • ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 12 large peeled garlic cloves that are cut into thin slices
  • 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes crushed and some extra for serving
  • Salt and black pepper
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh), plus extra lemon wedges for serving
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep extra for serving
Shutterstock // KONSTANTIN_SHISHKIN

Instructions:

1. Put some water and salt in a big pot and bring it to a boil.

2. Add the spaghetti, cooking until al dente, which should take 8-10 minutes. Drain, and keep a cup of pasta water to one side.

3. In a different pan, which should be large, put the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook. Stir it often and cook until golden brown. This should take about three minutes. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and a good pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and toss. Then, add the extra cup of pasta water until the spaghetti is completely coated. Please note that when cooking the garlic, you need to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

5. Remove this from the heat, and then add the parsley, lemon juice, and Parmesan and mix well. Check often for flavor, and add more salt if deemed necessary. Add some more Parmesan, lemon wedges, and some more crushed red pepper flakes as a garnish.

Eat Honeydew to Ease Digestion and Lower Blood Pressure

Did you know that honeydew is the sweetest kind of melon? Now you do. Sure, it might not taste incredible at all times. That’s because the fruit is often grown out of season and harvested before it’s fully ripe. It’s not just the sweetest melon, but arguably the healthiest one as well. Snacking it regularly has plenty of health benefits.

The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Honeydew

Eat Honeydew to Ease Digestion and Lower Blood Pressure

Apparently, eating honeydew is among the top remedies for heartburn. High in alkaline and magnesium, the slippery fruit helps relieve an irritated stomach. With about 6.7 pH, this type of melon won’t exacerbate acid reflux at all. As you might know, foods that cause heartburns usually have lower pH levels.

In addition, the high magnesium levels contained in honeydew neutralize stomach acid. Some studies also suggest that consuming foods rich in magnesium, like this type of melon, can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, keep in mind that too high levels of magnesium can have a negative effect on the body.

Other Healthy Benefits of Honeydew

If you’re on to building a healthy diet, consider including honeydew in your meals. The fruit contains a healthy dose of potassium and minimal levels of salt. For those of you who don’t know, low-potassium diets might increase the risk of hypertension.

With so many health benefits, including honeydew in your diet is more than a good decision. Another perk is that you don’t have to prepare a super fancy dish to add the fruit to your daily meals, too. You can just cut it into cubes and put some honey on it or add it to your bowl of Greek yogurt. Making ice cream using this type of melon is easy, too.

If you’re struggling with picking the right fruit at the local grocery store, here are some tips to help you. Firstly, make sure the rind is pale yellow and smooth. Don’t pick green and tough fruits, as they’re not ripe yet. You can also gently press the bottom of the melon. If it feels soft, safely put it in your shopping cart.