Caramelised Onion & Chilli Oil Spaghetti

Ingredients

• 150 g spaghetti
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1–2 tbsp chilli oil
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2–3 tbsp pasta water
• Cheese, grated, as required
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Kashmiri lal mirch or paprika
• 1/2 tsp mixed herbs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped (or parsley if available)

Steps

1. Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente; reserve some pasta water and drain.
2. Heat the butter and olive oil; add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook on low-medium heat until deeply caramelised and golden.
3. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds.
4. Add the chilli oil and sauté for a few seconds.
5. Pour in the cream and mix well.
6. Add the garlic powder, Kashmiri lal mirch/paprika and mixed herbs; season with salt and black pepper.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti and a splash of pasta water; toss until creamy and well coated.
8. Add the grated cheese and mix until melted; adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.
9. Finish with extra chilli oil and fresh coriander (or parsley).

The reel

via @shubhi_vats32

Tips

• Salt the pasta water until it tastes seasoned. That's where the dish gets its salt.
• Hold back a cup of the cooking water and loosen the sauce with it.
• Toss the pasta with the sauce off a hard boil so cheese stays smooth.

Questions