Basil Lemon and Garlic Pasta

The combination of basil, lemon and garlic comes straight from heaven.  This is the perfect dish for a sunny day, winter or summer.  It will make your heart sing.

300 grams angel hair pasta or linguini 

(1/3 of a 900 gram package)

4 large cloves garlic, sliced thinly

1 tbsp Canola oil

1 tbsp butter 

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

4-6 large basil leaves, sliced into ribbons

1 vine-ripened plum tomato, finely diced

Salt and pepper

Prepare pasta according to package directions.  While pasta is cooking, heat the oil and butter in a small pan.  Add the sliced garlic and cook until soft but not brown.  Add the lemon juice and tomato and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.  At the last moment add the basil.  Season with salt and pepper and serve over the hot pasta.

Cutting the basil

Roll leaves and slice the roll into ribbons.  These can turned and be cut again for chopped basil.

The magic combo with fresh sugar snap peas

Try using the basil, lemon and garlic combination with sugar snap peas.  Saute garlic in one tbsp butter or Canola oil.  Add one tbsp lemon juice and the zest of the lemon and six to eight basil leaves.  Combine and heat until just warmed through.  Season with salt and pepper.  Pour over blanched snap pears and serve immediately.