Sabrina Ghayour has done it again. The beloved author of the award-winning Persiana series returns with Persiana One — a stunning new collection that delivers bold Middle Eastern flavors with elegant simplicity. We were thrilled to receive an advance copy for review, and this simple but delicious recipe seemed worthy of sharing.
Featured Recipe: Spaghetti with Oregano, Lemon & Pul Biber
As Sabrina herself describes it: this is a clever yet simple pasta dish made all in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal washing-up. It’s quick, easy and absolutely delicious, making it a perfect midweek go-to.
What is Pul Biber?
New to this ingredient? You’re in for a treat. Pul biber — meaning “flake pepper” in Turkish — is a traditional chilli flake widely used in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Also known as Aleppo pepper, it has a beautiful mild warmth with a slightly fruity, tangy flavor that’s nothing like the sharp heat of ordinary red pepper flakes. Look for it at specialty spice shops, Middle Eastern grocery stores, or order it online. Once you have it in your pantry, you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
Serves 2
Ingredients:
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- 200g (7oz) spaghetti
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- Olive oil
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- 25g (1oz) butter
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- 3 fat garlic cloves, very finely chopped
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- ½ tsp dried oregano
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- Finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon and juice of ½
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- 75ml (2½fl oz) double cream
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- 50g (1¾oz) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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- ½ tsp pul biber chilli flakes
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- Maldon sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
Method:
Cook the spaghetti in a large saucepan of boiling water according to packet instructions until al dente. Scoop out about 400ml (14fl oz) of cooking water into a measuring jug and set aside.
Drain the pasta, return it to the pan and place over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, the butter and garlic, then toss the pasta for 30 seconds.
Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water in batches — it should absorb quickly, so keep stirring and add just enough until it creates a starchy creamy sauce. Add the oregano, lemon zest and juice, a heavy seasoning of pepper and salt to taste.
Stir vigorously until the sauce thickens, then add the cream and Parmesan and mix quickly together to ensure the cheese melts into the sauce, adding a little more pasta water if needed. Finally, add the pul biber, stir through, and serve. This needs no accompaniment.
Living Well Magazine Says:
Persiana One is a worthy addition to Sabrina Ghayour’s celebrated collection. This spaghetti dish alone is reason enough to add it to your cookbook shelf — sophisticated enough for guests, simple enough for a Tuesday night. A must-have for anyone who loves bold, beautiful flavors.
Persiana One by Sabrina Ghayour is available now: Amazon.com