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Spaghetti alla Nerano

Spaghetti Alla Nerano

Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 cups high quality sunflower oil*
  • 6 medium green zucchini 2 1/2 pounds
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch salt
  • A few Genovese or African basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Instructions
 

  • Slice zucchini into 1/8“ rounds. Heat oil in a heavy deep bottom saucepan or large cast iron skillet to 350 degrees F.
  • Add about 1/3 of the sliced zucchini to the oil and fry until lightly browned, gently turning occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider and drain on paper towels.
  • Let zucchini cool, then transfer to a bowl or glass jar, cover and refrigerate overnight. (You can use immediately but patience improves it).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until it’s just has a minute or two to go.
  • While the spaghetti is boiling, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini and salt and sauté, pressing with the back of the spoon a bit to break some pieces down. Add a small ladle of the boiling pasta water and keep stirring. When it is heated through, lower the heat.
  • Remove the spaghetti with tongs, add to the sauce and toss and stir. Mix in the cheese and the basil. You may need to add a little more pasta water to get a smooth creamy sauce. Serve with more grated cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

For a lighter version: Rather than frying the zucchini, roast it. Heat oven to 500 F. Toss zucchini coins with enough oil to coat, about 1/3 cup. Spread out on a baking sheet in a single layer, and roast, turning occasionally, until cooked through and golden. You may need to run them under the broiler for a minute to get more color. Let cool and proceed with the recipe.
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