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Amazing Cacio e Pepe in 15 Minutes: A Negative Regret

Cacio e Pepe
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Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish. It features very few ingredients. The dish is simple, fast, and elegant. It combines pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. This minimalist meal provides incredible flavor in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 8 ounces spaghetti, bucatini, or tonnarelli
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt for pasta water (optional, as cheese is salty)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. If using, add a pinch of salt to the water.
  2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  3. While the pasta cooks, toast the black peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Coarsely crush the toasted peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or the back of a heavy pan.
  5. Reserve 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water just before draining the pasta.
  6. Drain the pasta and immediately add it back to the warm pot.
  7. Add half of the crushed black pepper to the pasta.
  8. Gradually add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the pasta, stirring constantly to coat.
  9. Slowly add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring vigorously. The goal is to create a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta. You may not need all the water.
  10. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and glossy. If it’s too thick, add a little more pasta water. If it’s too thin, add a little more cheese.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The cheese provides significant saltiness.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining crushed black pepper and extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

Notes

  • The key to a good Cacio e Pepe is achieving a creamy emulsion with the cheese and pasta water.
  • Use good quality Pecorino Romano for the best flavor.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper is essential for this dish.
  • Work quickly when adding cheese and water to prevent the cheese from clumping.
  • Do not rinse the pasta after draining, as the starch helps create the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/cacio-e-pepe-recipe-in-20-minutes/