Ribbons of fresh egg linguine relaxing in a homemade chilli oil with zesty lemon and rocket is an easy, tasty option for weeknight dinner. This chilli oil is a take on a recipe by chef Sean Moran of Sean’s in Bondi – you can make it in advance (it will keep in the fridge for a week) or use a good shop-bought version.
Ingredients
2 long red chillies, seeds removed and finely chopped
125 ml (½ cup) olive oil
500 gm fresh linguine
Juice of ½ lemon (or to taste)
170 gm rocket, shredded
75 gm finely grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
Direction
Stir chilli and oil in a frying pan over medium heat until soft and fragrant (10 minutes), then carefully transfer to a small container and blend with a hand-held blender until oil is bright orange.
Cook linguine in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until al dente (1½-2 minutes). Transfer to chilli-oil frying pan with tongs (the attached water will help loosen the sauce; reserve remaining in saucepan).
Add lemon juice, rocket and parmesan to linguine, then add chilli oil to taste. Toss to combine, loosening sauce with a small amount of pasta water if needed. Top with extra parmesan to serve.