Aglio Olio

When I was working in Singapore, the company I was with moved from a central town location to a business park in the West. Not all of us were happy with that as it severely limited our lunch options. A cafe opened up nearby and it quickly became a destination when we feel like splurging.

Very traditional Aglio Olio is just olive oil, garlic and chili flakes with spaghetti. I like some bacon and mushrooms with mine but it's equally simple.

Ingredients (for 2)

Spaghetti portion for 2, cooked till al dente, reserving some of the pasta cooking water

2-3 slices of bacon, fried in its own fat till crunchy, broken into large chunks

2-3 button mushrooms, sliced thinly

2 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly

1 teaspoon of chili flakes, vary according to taste

Olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling over

Steps

1. Pre-cooked the pasta and bacon and set aside to cool.
2.  Heat up about 3 tablespoon of olive oil with the garlic slices in a frying pan over medium heat. When the garlic starts to brown a little, emitting a fragrance add in the chili flakes and stir fry for a few seconds. You may choke a little from the chili fumes so be a bit careful on that.
3. Add in the button mushrooms, mix well for about 10 seconds and add the pasta. Add in some pasta cooking water to help move it along in the pan.
4. Add in the bacon, then season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.
5. Serve warm with some fresh parsley and sprinkling of cheese.