Ultimate Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Crispy Bacon

STEP 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat the Oil: In a non-stick frying pan, pour 1 tsp of olive oil and heat over medium heat. This will help the bacon crisp nicely.
2. Add the Bacon: Carefully lay 4 rashers of streaky bacon in the pan, ensuring they’re not overlapping. This allows for even cooking.
3. Cook Until Crispy: Fry the bacon for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally. Look for a deep golden color and crispy edges. If the bacon starts to smoke, reduce the heat.
4. Drain the Bacon: Once crispy, remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess grease. This keeps it crispy.
5. Chop the Bacon: Let the bacon cool for a couple of minutes. Once cool, finely chop it and set aside for later.

STEP 2: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Boil the Water: In a large pot, fill it with plenty of salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor.
2. Add the Spaghetti: Once boiling, add 400g of spaghetti. Stir immediately to prevent sticking.
3. Follow Package Instructions: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Taste a strand a minute before the cooking time ends to check for doneness (it should be al dente).

STEP 3: Prepare the Garlic Oil

1. Reuse the Pan: While the spaghetti cooks, return to the frying pan with the bacon fat. There’s no need to clean it, as the bacon flavor will enhance the dish.
2. Heat the Remaining Oil: Pour in the remaining 75ml of olive oil over medium-low heat.
3. Add the Garlic: Add 6 finely grated garlic cloves to the oil. Stir well to ensure the garlic is coated, which helps release its flavor.
4. Sauté the Garlic: Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch closely for the garlic to become fragrant and lightly golden, avoiding burning, which can lead to bitterness.

STEP 4: Combine and Serve

1. Drain the Pasta: When the spaghetti is al dente, carefully drain it in a colander. Remember to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Combine with Garlic Oil: Transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the pan with the garlic oil. Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss the spaghetti, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the oil and garlic.
3. Add Parsley: Sprinkle in 25g of finely chopped fresh parsley and gently fold it into the spaghetti. This adds freshness and color.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture and enhance the flavor.
5. Plate the Dish: Spoon the spaghetti into serving bowls, ensuring a good distribution of the garlic oil and parsley.
6. Top with Bacon: Generously scatter the chopped crispy bacon over the pasta. This adds texture and richness.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, you can garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Additional Guidance:

• Timing: Start cooking the bacon first so the pasta can cook while you prepare the garlic oil. This ensures everything is ready at the same time.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste the pasta and adjust seasonings as needed. Cooking is about finding the balance that works for you.
• Variations: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. If you like a fresh twist, consider adding some lemon zest along with the parsley.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan, adding a splash of olive oil to revive the flavors.

By following these detailed steps and guidance, you’ll create a delicious Ultimate Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Crispy Bacon that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking!