Recipe – Cacio e Pepe

Lookup a combination of the words Cacio e Pepe or cheese and pepper, and you’re guaranteed to be delightfully surprised by your discovery. Cacio e Pepe is a beloved meatless recipe in Rome, one that earned its place as 2016’s trendiest past dish in New York’s dining scene. This recipe both feels new and familiar while being easy to prepare and difficult to forget.

Good Reasons To Have A Cacio E Pepe Meal

Cacio e pepe, a classic Italian pasta dish, is a simple yet delightful culinary experience. Here are some compelling reasons to enjoy a cacio e pepe meal:

1. Simplicity at Its Best — Cacio e pepe literally means “cheese and pepper” in Italian. This dish celebrates minimalism, using just a few ingredients—pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and a bit of pasta water.
2. Rich Flavor Profile — Despite its simplicity, cacio e pepe offers a rich and complex flavor. The sharpness of the Pecorino Romano cheese blends perfectly with the warm, spicy notes of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Quick and Easy to Prepare — It’s an ideal choice for a quick meal. You can whip up cacio e pepe in about the time it takes to cook the pasta.
4. Comfort Food — Its creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a go-to dish for many, especially during colder months or when in need of a comforting meal.
5. Versatile — While traditional cacio e pepe is simple, it’s also a versatile base for experimentation. You can add ingredients like vegetables, meats, or seafood to create your own variations.
6. Affordable Ingredients — The ingredients are basic and generally inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
7. Culinary Tradition — Eating cacio e pepe connects you to a long-standing Italian culinary tradition, offering a taste of Rome’s ancient culinary history.
8. Nutritional Balance — While it’s a carb-heavy dish, the cheese provides a good amount of protein. Adding vegetables can increase its nutritional value.
9. Wine Pairing — It pairs beautifully with a variety of wines. A crisp white wine can complement its rich flavors, while a light red can stand up to its boldness.
10. Global Appeal — Though deeply Italian, cacio e pepe has gained international popularity, reflecting the global appreciation for Italian cuisine.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, cacio e pepe presents an enjoyable culinary adventure, combining simplicity with rich, comforting flavors.

A Quick Recipe To Get You On Your Way

Ingredients

Only a handful of the most basic store cupboard ingredients are listed on the original Italian recipe, which only adds to the savory simplicity. It takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, and it typically serves 2.

• A dash (1/8 teaspoon) of salt;
• 3 ounces (220g) of long pasta (like tonnarelli,tagliolini, bucatini, or spaghetti)  
• 1 cup of olive oil (optional);
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (be it cubed or divided);
• 1 tablespoon of freshly cracked black pepper;
• A third of a cup of finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan Cheese
• One whole cup of finely grated Pecorino.

Preparation Directions

• First, Bring 3 quarts of water with a dash of salt to a boil in a 5-quart pot
• Add pasta to boiling water, occasionally stirring, wait for two minutes.
• While the pasta water boils, melt the two tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the pepper on top and cook for about a minute, until toasted;
• Drain the pasta and leave the cooking water on the side;
• Add half a cup of pasta water to the skillet, then bring it to a simmer.
• Add in the pasta and the rest of the butter.
• Reduce heat to low and add the cheese.
• Keep stirring and tossing until the cheese has melted;
• Remove the skillet from heat
• Add the ground black pepper and cheese
• Toss until well incorporated into the pasta.
• Transfer the pasta to serving bowls.
• Garnish with a little amount of additional cheese and black pepper (don’t overdo the pepper).

Your Cacio e Pepe is ready to serve; Enjoy.