on Jul 18th, 2007101 quick meals - plus 1
Mark Bittman, aka The Minimalist, offers 101 ideas for quick, simple meals in the food section of today’s New York Times. They’re intended to get us in and out the kitchen in about ten minutes, with main courses that often use summer’s bounty and are better than takeout.
Some are expected, such as #12: boil a lobster. Others, such as #63, are not so expected: Miso steak: Coat beef tenderloin steaks (filet mignon) with a blend of miso and chili paste thinned with sake or white wine. Grill or broil about five minutes.
The one I expected but did not see is a favorite of mine, especially when garlic is fresh from the garden, and that is a simple aglio e olio - garlic and oil. Cook and drain a pound of spaghetti. Heat 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet; add 8 cloves of fresh garlic that have been smashed and chopped. When the garlic starts to color, add the spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the oil and garlic over medium heat for 1 -2 minutes, adding salt if needed. Serve with fresh chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley and, if you wish, a few red pepper flakes. Grated cheese is not usually served with this.
You can find Bittman’s article here.
The Minimalist videos are one of my favorites on the NYT. I had not seen this aglio e olio recipe. This is one of my favorite dishes, and I’ve not made it in ages. I like to go very heavy with the parsley on this dish, as it adds much color and nutrition. I am not adverse to using curly parsley, however, as I like the texture and visual richness it gives. Thanks so much, ella, for posting this recipe and reminder of a favorite I have neglected. Cheers!
I have never made your “garlic and oil” recipe. But, I am going to try it now.
Thank you for your link to the Minimalist Quick Meals. I got my favorite bread recipe from NYT. So I am looking forward to trying your recipe and some of the ones from the linked article.
@bbmaven - Bittman has a similar, but more elaborate idea on his list using basil and tomatoes. I love aglio e olio though. What flavor.
@jolynna - Hi! Have fun with it! Bread recipe - do you mean Bittman’s no-knead bread that was all the rage last winter?
Hi ellaella,
Yes, the no-knead bread! It replaced my beer bread recipe for the 70’s. Although, I still do the beer bread from time to time.
I never got around to making that bread, although I know it’s good. Maybe in a few months….