Spaghetti alla Nerano (Spaghetti with Fried Zucchini)

Description

This regional pasta dish from Naples is super simple and easy.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds zucchini, sliced
  • ½ cup olive oil, or more as needed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, or more to taste
  • 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
  • ½ cup grated aged provolone cheese
  • ¾ cup chopped fresh basil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place zucchini slices on a plate and let dry for 1 hour.
  2. Heat 1/2 cup oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini slices in batches and deep fry until brown
  3. 10 to 15 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool. Mash 1/3 of the zucchini.
  4. Place 3 tablespoons olive oil and garlic cloves in a large saucepan over low heat. Watch carefully and simmer until garlic cloves are a light golden brown and oil is infused with garlic flavor
  5. 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in mashed zucchini. Add zucchini slices.
  6. Meanwhile
  7. bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water
  8. stirring occasionally
  9. until tender yet firm to the bite
  10. about 12 minutes. Drain spaghetti
  11. reserving some cooking water.
  12. Add spaghetti and provolone cheese to the saucepan. Toss and add hot pasta water until sauce becomes creamy. Mix in basil
  13. season with salt and pepper
  14. and serve.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins

Servings: 8

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