Spaghetti alla Nerano (Spaghetti with Fried Zucchini)

Created in Nerano, Italy, this flavorful dish features zucchini deep-fried in garlicky olive oil, then tossed with spaghetti and aged provolone cheese.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 357 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
• 2 cloves garlic, or more to taste
• 0.5 cup olive oil, or more as needed
• 0.75 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1.5 pounds zucchini, sliced
• 0.5 cup grated aged provolone cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place zucchini slices on a plate and let dry for 1 hour.

Step 2

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain spaghetti, reserving some cooking water.

Step 3

Heat 1/2 cup oil in a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add zucchini slices and deep fry until brown, 10 to 15 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool, then mash 1/3 of the fried zucchini.

Step 4

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Add garlic cloves; watch carefully and simmer until cloves are a light golden brown and oil is infused with garlic flavor, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in mashed zucchini, then add zucchini slices.

Step 5

Add spaghetti and provolone cheese to the saucepan. Toss with zucchini and add hot pasta water until the sauce becomes creamy. Mix in basil and season with salt and pepper.