pasta!

In chilly times like these, pasta is a perfect cheap option for dinner. Thus my little concoction last night:

Bucatini with red onions, garlic, chilli and breadcrumbs
(serves 2)

250 g bucatini (thick spaghetti)
3 tbsp olive oil
50 g breadcrumbs
1 medium red onion, sliced thinly
4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
1 large red chilli, deseeded and chopped


Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat; add the onions and allow to cook slowly for about 10 minutes.

While the onions cook, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the bucatini, which takes about 8-10 minutes to cook.

Toast the breadcrumbs over medium heat with 1 tbsp of olive oil.

When the bucatini's done, drain (reserving about 100 ml of pasta water). Leave to the side for a moment.

Bring the heat up on the onions to high and throw in the chilli, garlic and half the breadcrumbs. Saute for about 2 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn't brown.

Add the pasta and the pasta water and toss. Add the last tbsp of olive oil and toss a little more.

Serve immediately, topped with the other half of the breadcrumbs.

I must confess, I was tired and didn't count the calories in this one. But I estimate it's about 750. Winter comfort food and all that.