Macaronia me Voutyro (Pasta with Brown Butter Sauce)
Source: Simply Delicious Greek Cooking (recommended by San)
Simple yet delicious. Browned butter, tender pasta, and sharp, tangy cheese. A real treat for pasta lovers everywhere.
1 pound. spaghetti or other pasta
1/2 pound butter (1 cup/2 sticks)*
1/2 cup grated dry Mezithra** or Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
optional recommended by San - sage leaves
Add salt and bring to a rolling boil.
Add pasta slowly, without breaking the boil.
Cook until al dente, following package directions; stir frequently.
Drain well in a colander and return to pan in which it was cooked.
While pasta is cooking, melt butter and heat to a deep golden brown.
Watch it carefully; it burns quickly and suddenly.
Pour browned butter over drained pasta in pot.
Add half the grated cheese and toss well to coat.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle each serving with the extra grated cheese.
Serve with additional grated cheese and freshly ground pepper.
*If desired, substitute 1/2 cup very light olive oil for half of the butter.
**If using Mezithra cheese, substitute 1/2 cup sweet, unsalted butter to cut down on salt content.