This dish, originally made with spaghetti, translates from the Italian as ‘spaghetti in the style of a prostitute’. Now the more judgemental of us might not want to touch such a thing with a bargepole let along a fork, but let me remind you of the classic movie ‘Pretty Woman’ before you go slut-shaming my dinner.

Remember the scene in the clothes shop on Rodeo Drive where the shop assistants turn their noses up at Julia Roberts because she’s dressed like a woman of the night? Well she sure served them right when she came back looking all glam and they realised she was loaded didn’t she?

So in conclusion, don’t judge a book by its cover (or in this case a prostitute by her spaghetti). Like Julia Roberts in the film, this dish is rich, gorgeous and hot. It’s also super light, unlike the spaghetti version, but if you wanted to make it a little more ‘man-friendly’ you could always add in some corn or black bean spaghetti too. I hope you love it!

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 2 courgettes
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1/4 cup black olives
• A large pinch of chilli flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can chopped tomatoes

For the vegan parmesan (optional)

• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast

For the sauce, heat the olive oil in a frying pan for 30 seconds or so on a medium heat and then throw in the garlic. Once it’s begun to brown and soften, add in the chilli flakes, olives and capers. Fry for another minute or so, then add in the tinned tomatoes and let it cook for another five minutes or so, stirring occasionally.

Spiralise the courgettes with a spiraliser or use a peeler to make more tagliatelle-style noodles, then make the parmesan by simply combining the ground almonds and nutritional yeast in a small bowl.

Serve up the courgetti with a generous dollop of the sauce and a sprinkling of the ‘parmesan’. For maximum enjoyment, pop Pretty Woman on the TV and serve with a side of red wine. Bellissimo!

Love, Mrs H xx