Nigella Lawson, I curse you!
Actually, I adore Nigella. I think I’ve seen every episode of her cooking shows on Food Network. But she’s introduced me to a recipe so simple, so delicious I probably enjoy it at least once a week. Maybe more.
I came across Nigella’s recipe for Spaghetti with Marmite while I was looking for alternative uses for Marmite, a deep mahogany colored spread. It’s as thick as molasses, but there’s absolutely no sweetness. I used about a spoonful for another recipe, and didn’t want it to go to waste. So I turned to Nigella’s website for guidance.
Marmite is popular on toast throughout the UK, and I’ve heard of people using it on oatmeal. It’s an acquired taste, and people seem to love it or hate it. But trust me, Spaghetti with Marmite will have you wondering how you ever lived without Marmite!
It requires just four ingredients – Marmite, spaghetti, butter, and grated parmesan cheese. That’s it!
First, prepare spaghetti as directed on the package and drain in a colander. I always follow Nigella’s advice and season the water with a generous pinch of salt. Put about a ½ tablespoon of butter into the pot you cooked the spaghetti, followed by adding about 1 to 2 tablespoons of Marmite. Honestly, I just eye ball it. Nigella’s recipe calls for reserving some of the spaghetti water to thicken the sauce. I did that the first few times I made the recipe, but I don’t find it necessary. Pour the spaghetti back into the pot and mix everything together until the spaghetti is well-coated. The heat from the spaghetti in the already hot pot will help it all to melt together. Transfer into a bowl and top with grated parmesan cheese to your liking.
The marmite has a warm, nutty flavor, and the salt in the cheese brings that out. I’ve also added seasoned breadcrumbs in addition to the cheese, which was pretty tasty. When I really want to shake it up, I use a spiral pasta instead of spaghetti.
Since being introduced to Marmite, I’ve experimented a little more with the spread, which I’ve included when making meatballs or Cottage Pie. I really like the earthiness it adds.
Spaghetti with Marmite is a quick and easy lunch or dinner for one. How do you like to use Marmite?