LEMON CAPER SAUCE FOR PASTA RECIPES

Steps:

• If using salt-packed capers, place them in a small bowl, add cold water to cover and soak for 20 minutes. Drain, rinse well and drain again, then pat dry on paper towels. If using vinegar-packed capers, rinse under cold running water, drain and pat dry.
• Season the fish lightly with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick fry pan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Arrange the fish in the pan and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides and opaque throughout but still moist looking in the center when tested with a knife, 6 to 8 minutes total. Using a slotted spatula or spoon, transfer the fish to a warmed platter and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
• Add the shallots and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and lemon juice, increase the heat to medium-high and boil until the sauce thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the parsley, capers and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper.
• Pour the warm sauce over the fish and serve immediately. Serves 4.
• Adapted from Williams-Sonoma <i>Essentials of Mediterranean Cooking,</i> by Charity Ferreira, Dana Jacobi &amp; Carolyn Miller (Oxmoor House, 2008).

Steps:

• 1. Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions, then drain, reserving a mugful of cooking water.
  2. Meanwhile, slice the courgettes lengthways, then again into long matchsticks with good knife skills or using the julienne cutter on a mandolin (use the guard!).
  3. Place a large non-stick frying pan on a medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the courgettes.
  4. Cook for 4 minutes, tossing regularly, while you finely slice the mint leaves, then stir them into the pan.
  5. Toss the drained pasta into the courgette pan with a splash of reserved cooking water.
  6. Finely grate in most of the Parmesan and a little lemon zest, squeeze in all the juice, toss well, then taste and season to perfection with sea salt and black pepper.
  7. Dish up, finely grate over the remaining Parmesan and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil before tucking in.