Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

While browsing the internet the other day, I saw a picture of Spaghetti Aglio E Olio, and looked up the recipe. Somehow, I was not convinced that such a simple recipe would work, and yet, I couldn't quite forget it either. So, when the kids wanted a Pasta in White Sauce, I decided to reserve a little bit of the pasta to make the dish for myself.
For such a simple dish, it sure packs a mean punch, and I am definitely making it again.

200 gms spaghetti
1/4 cup olive oil
8 pods garlic, chopped fine and mashed slightly
1 tsp red chillli flakes
3 tbsp cheese grated
Salt to taste



Method:
Bring the water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water before you drain the pasta.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil, add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it just begins to turn golden on the edges-don't overcook it!
Add the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more.
Carefully add the reserved pasta-cooking water to the garlic and oil and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about a third.

Add the drained pasta to the garlic sauce and toss. Off the heat, add the cheese and toss well. Allow the pasta to rest off the heat for 5 minutes for the sauce to be absorbed.
Taste for seasoning and serve warm with extra Parmesan on the side.