Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino

Four ingredients, ten minutes, and one of the truest tests of an Italian kitchen: garlic, olive oil, chilli, and pasta, nothing to hide behind. This is midnight food, made by people who trust simplicity more than complexity.

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, gently warm the olive oil with the sliced garlic and chilli flakes, until the garlic turns pale gold — do not let it burn.
3. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
4. Toss the spaghetti in the pan with the garlic oil, adding a splash of pasta water to bring it together.
5. Finish with chopped parsley and a final drizzle of olive oil.