Fried Lemon, Brown Butter, and Chili Flake Pasta

Fried Lemon, Brown Butter, and Chili Flake Pasta

• 2 lemons *(see note below)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (either store bought or homemade)

• 4 Tbs. olive oil, divided

• 1 lb dried pasta

• kosher salt

• 4 Tbs. olive oil, divided

• 4 Tbs. butter

• 1/2 tsp. chili flakes

Using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, peel half of one of the lemons. Finely mince the lemon peel turning it into lemon zest. Set aside.

Then cut the remaining lemons (including the one that was peeled) into quarters and carefully remove the center pit part of the lemon where the seeds are by slicing the lemon quarter on the bias. Then thinly slice the lemon quarters into slices 1/4” thick. Set aside.

In a small saute pan add the breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil and cook the mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs begin to turn golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before adding in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to boil.

Blanch the lemon slices in the water for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Add a large pinch of salt to the water and cook the pasta according to packaging instructions. Save 1/2 cup cooking water before straining. Set cooked pasta aside.

In a large saute pan, warm 2 Tbs. olive oil. Add the lemons and cook over low for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the butter and continue cooking the lemons over low until the butter begins to turn golden brown about 2 to 4 minutes. Add the chili flake and stir to mix in.

Add the cooked pasta into the lemon and brown butter mixture. Toss well adding cooking liquid to the pasta if needed to create a sauce. Taste for salt (it is really important that it is correctly salted - adding salt will bring out the lemon flavor)

Serve the pasta topped with a large helping of the crispy lemon breadcrumbs and more Parmesan cheese.

Makes about 3 to 4 servings.

** feel free to make this super lemony by using 3 or 4 lemons. The recipe above has a subtle lemon taste but if you want a lot of lemon, cut 4 lemons into the quarters then thinly slice and then fry.