Spaghetti Alla Olio with Basil, Mushrooms and Peppers

Quick and tasty vegetarian pasta dish- use lots of chopped garlic, onion and herbs and season well for full flavour. Add chopped fresh chilli or more dried ones for a spicier kick, and for meat eaters, bacon bits or chunks of sausage are fantastic additions.

Serves 3-4

Boil 400g of dried spaghetti in lots of water for 10-15 mins until al dente. Drain and steep in cold water to keep from sticking together. Set aside.

Saute in olive oil over high heat until fragrant:

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 large onion, finely chopped

Handful fresh basil leaves, shredded

2 dried chillies, crushed

Add and fry:

1 red pepper, cut into cubes

400g mushrooms, sliced

Lower the heat and add cooked spaghetti. Generously drizzle over extra virgin olive oil and season with lots of salt, black pepper and dried mixed herbs of choice. Toss well to combine.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired and serve hot.