Bushra Griffith
Aglio e Olio, which translates to spaghetti with garlic and oil, is a traditional Italian dish that typically consists of simple ingredients such as spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. While the classic recipe does not include cheese, some variations of the dish incorporate Parmesan or vegan Parmesan cheese as a garnish or ingredient in the sauce for added flavour and texture. Adding cheese to the dish transforms it into spaghetti alla carrettiera, according to some sources. The versatility of Aglio e Olio allows for customization with additional ingredients, making it a popular choice for pasta enthusiasts worldwide.
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What You'll Learn
- Aglio e olio is derived from cucina povera, where people used available ingredients to make good food
- Adding cheese to aglio e olio changes the dish, but it's not necessarily a bad thing
- Aglio e olio with cheese is called spaghetti alla carrettiera
- Some people add vegan Parmesan cheese to aglio e olio
- Aglio e olio is traditionally served without cheese
Aglio e olio is derived from cucina povera, where people used available ingredients to make good food
Aglio e olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in Naples, Campania. It is a staple of Neapolitan cuisine and is derived from "cucina povera", or "poor kitchen", where cooks used affordable and readily available ingredients to create tasty meals. The name "aglio olio" translates to "garlic and oil", emphasising the importance of these two key ingredients in the dish. The best aglio olio is made with fresh, fragrant garlic and smooth, fruity extra virgin olive oil.
The traditional recipe for aglio e olio includes only a handful of simple ingredients: pasta, garlic, and olive oil. The dish is prepared by slowly toasting garlic slices in olive oil until they are a perfect golden brown. This step is crucial, as garlic that is too light will not impart a full flavour, while garlic that is too dark will taste bitter. The pasta is cooked separately and then added to the garlic and oil, along with a splash of starchy pasta water to emulsify and thicken the sauce. The dish is typically served immediately while still hot.
While the classic recipe is delicious, there is plenty of room for experimentation. Many variations of aglio e olio exist, incorporating different ingredients and flavours. Some common additions include seafood, vegetables, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs. While Parmesan or pecorino cheese is not traditionally used in aglio e olio, some people choose to add it for extra flavour. In fact, one of the philosophies behind cucina povera is using what you have on hand to make good food, so adding cheese to aglio e olio would align with this idea.
Aglio e olio has become a globally recognised and beloved dish, demonstrating the appeal of simple, well-executed recipes. It is a testament to the power of simplicity in cooking, showing that even a few humble ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly extraordinary.
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Adding cheese to aglio e olio changes the dish, but it's not necessarily a bad thing
While the traditional Italian recipe for aglio e olio does not include cheese, adding cheese to the dish changes it but is not necessarily a bad thing. The dish, which translates to "spaghetti with garlic and oil," typically contains little more than olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. However, some variations of the dish include parsley, red pepper flakes, and even cheese.
Aglio e olio originates from cucina povera, or the kitchen of the poor, where cooks use whatever ingredients they have on hand to create flavorful dishes. Adding cheese to aglio e olio may not be traditional, but it can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. For example, Parmesan cheese, with its nutty and salty flavor, can complement the savory garlic in the dish. Other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, can also be used to add a burst of umami flavor.
Some people argue that adding cheese to aglio e olio fundamentally changes the dish, and while it may not be considered authentic Italian cuisine, it doesn't mean it's bad. In fact, there are endless variations of the dish, and Italians have likely experimented with various ingredients, including cheese, and named them something else. For instance, spaghetti aglio e olio with cheese is known as spaghetti alla carrettiera, and when served with toasted breadcrumbs that have cheese in them, it's called spaghetti alla Maradona.
Ultimately, whether or not to add cheese to aglio e olio is a matter of personal preference. While purists may argue against it, the dish is meant to be a simple, flavorful creation using whatever ingredients are available. So, if you have cheese on hand and think it will taste good, go for it! You may just create a delicious new variation of the classic dish.
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Aglio e olio with cheese is called spaghetti alla carrettiera
Aglio e olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that features spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. The addition of cheese to this dish is a topic of debate. While some purists insist that aglio e olio should never be served with cheese, others argue that adding cheese is perfectly acceptable, especially considering the dish's humble origins in cucina povera, or the kitchen of the poor, where people used whatever ingredients they had on hand.
Indeed, adding cheese to aglio e olio transforms it into a different dish called spaghetti alla carrettiera. This Sicilian recipe is considered an upgraded version of spaghetti aglio e olio, featuring bold flavors from simple ingredients such as chili pepper, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and pecorino cheese. The unique aspect of this dish is that the sauce is kept raw and tossed with the hot pasta, resulting in a flavorful dressing.
The traditional recipe for spaghetti alla carrettiera calls for Sicilian pecorino cheese, specifically pecorino Romano. However, for a milder flavor, alternatives such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano can be used. The cheese is combined with aromatics and pasta water to create a cheesy sauce that is mixed with the pasta. The dish is then topped with crispy breadcrumbs and freshly chopped parsley, adding texture and flavor.
Preparing spaghetti alla carrettiera is simple and quick, requiring only a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of cooking time. The pasta is cooked al dente, and the sauce is made by mixing the cheese, aromatics, and pasta water. The raw sauce is then tossed with the hot pasta, creating a delicious fusion of flavors. The dish is typically served with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a handful of fresh parsley, enhancing its aroma and taste.
In conclusion, while the addition of cheese to aglio e olio may be controversial, it results in a delightful variation known as spaghetti alla carrettiera. This Sicilian specialty showcases the creativity and versatility of Italian cuisine, elevating a simple dish into a bold and flavorful experience.
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Some people add vegan Parmesan cheese to aglio e olio
Aglio e olio, or "spaghetti with garlic and oil", is a simple Italian pasta dish. The traditional recipe for this dish includes only pasta, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. However, some variations of the recipe include ingredients like red pepper flakes, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
While some purists believe that aglio e olio should not be served with cheese, others disagree. They argue that the dish originates from cucina povera, or "the kitchen of the poor", where people used whatever ingredients they had on hand. Adding cheese to the dish may change its fundamental nature, but it is not necessarily a bad thing. It simply becomes a different dish.
There are a few ways to incorporate vegan Parmesan cheese into aglio e olio. One way is to use it as a garnish, sprinkling it on top of the finished dish for added flavor and texture. Another way is to add it to the sauce, where it can contribute to a richer and deeper flavor profile. Additionally, some people might choose to serve the dish with a side of toasted bread crumbs that have cheese mixed in. This variation is sometimes called Spaghetti alla Maradona.
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Aglio e olio is traditionally served without cheese
Aglio e olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that translates to "spaghetti with garlic and oil". The traditional recipe for this dish includes simple ingredients such as spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. However, there is some variation and debate regarding the inclusion of cheese.
While some sources claim that the traditional dish is served without cheese, others suggest that a sprinkle of Parmesan or vegan Parmesan adds a welcome touch of savoury richness to the pasta. Still, others argue that the addition of cheese fundamentally changes the dish, turning it into something different, such as spaghetti alla carrettiera or spaghetti alla Maradona.
The debate surrounding the inclusion of cheese in aglio e olio highlights the importance of authenticity and tradition in Italian cuisine. Those who oppose the addition of cheese argue that it goes against the simplicity and purity of the original recipe, which is rooted in cucina povera, or "the kitchen of the poor," where cooks used whatever ingredients they had on hand.
On the other hand, those who favour the addition of cheese may view it as a natural extension of the dish's frugal and innovative spirit, making use of ingredients readily available in Italian kitchens. Additionally, personal preference and taste play a role in the decision to include cheese, as some may find that it enhances the flavour and texture of the dish.
Ultimately, the decision to include cheese in aglio e olio is a matter of personal choice and interpretation. While the traditional dish may not include cheese, modern interpretations and variations may incorporate it, reflecting the evolving nature of culinary traditions and the diverse preferences of home cooks and chefs.
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Frequently asked questions
While traditionalists argue that Parmesan or any other cheese should not be added to the dish, some people do add grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan to their aglio olio. If you have cheese on hand, there's no harm in using it.
If you want to add cheese to your aglio olio, Parmesan cheese is a popular choice.
Aglio olio is a simple dish that uses easily available ingredients. To make it, you need to cook pasta, toast garlic and red pepper flakes, and then toss them together. You can also add olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Aglio olio is Italian for "spaghetti with garlic and oil".
You can add a variety of ingredients to aglio olio, such as parsley, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, Calabrian chillies, lemon zest, white wine, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and more.
