Lemon Linguine

Main

Ingredients

750 grams linguine

Maldon sea salt flakes

pepper

2 egg yolks

150 millilitres double cream

50 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian equivalent)

zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon

30 grams butter

TO SERVE:

fresh flatleaf parsley

small handful of fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions

Fill a very large pan with water for the pasta and bring to a boil. When it boils, salt abundantly.

Tip in the linguine, helping all of it to submerge, then when it comes back to the boil, set a timer for two minutes less than the cooking time stated on the packet.

Get on with making the sauce. In a bowl, put the yolks, cream, grated Parmesan, zest of the whole lemon and juice of half, a pinch of salt and a good grating of pepper and beat with a fork.

When the timer goes off check to see if the pasta is cooked or needs the full time.

Once ready, take out a mugful of the pasta water before you drain it, then once drained return to either the saucepan or a large warmed bowl.

Add the butter and toss it through, then add the sauce, tossing the pasta well, and adding a little of your reserved pasta-cooking water to help it emulsify and lightly coat the pasta. Have a taste to see if you want the juice from the remaining half lemon.

Sprinkle over some freshly chopped parsley (and a small handful of torn basil leaves, if wished) and serve immediately.


Notes

MAKE AHEAD / STORE:
It is not advisable to make ahead/store.