Linguine with Lemon and Capers

Linguine with lemon and capers is a simple yet flavorful dish. Here is a classic recipe you can try:

Ingredients

• 320 g of linguine
• 1 lemon (grated zest and juice)
• 50 g of salted capers
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley to taste
• 80 ml of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Start by soaking the capers in cold water for about 15 minutes to desalinate them, then drain and pat them dry.
2. Put pot of salted water on the heat and bring to a boil. Cook the linguine al dente following the instructions on the package.
3. In the meantime, in a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic cloves until they are golden. You can choose to remove them later or leave them according to your preferences.
4. Add the capers to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes.
5. Drain the linguine, reserving some of the cooking water, and transfer them to the skillet with the capers. Turn on the heat and toss, adding a bit of the cooking water if necessary.
6. Turn off the heat and add the grated zest and juice of the lemon, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Curiosity

The dish takes its name from its main ingredients; the lemon provides a citrusy freshness typical of Mediterranean cuisine, while the capers add a distinctive savoriness that pairs well with the sweetness of the lemon. This dish is very popular in the coastal regions of Italy, such as Liguria and Sicily, where citrus fruits and capers are plentiful.

Enjoy your meal!