Vegetarian

Are you one of those people who gets easily excited by pasta? Do you want to learn how to prepare a meal with only four ingredients? If so, you must try Cacio e Pepe. This fiery, creamy, decadent dish will awaken your senses and make you cherish all things Italy.

A unique experience

When I was younger, I used to avoid all pasta dishes. For some reason, I believed they would lay heavy on my stomach. However, in recent years, I have learned that a properly prepared meal is nothing to be afraid of. My dad later introduced me to the beauty of adding condiments to your food. That’s when I discovered pepper.

Nowadays I am a massive fan of foods that have a nice spice kick. I reach for the pepper grinder whenever I have eggs, salad, or mashed potatoes. When I found out the main ingredient of Cacio e Pepe was peppercorn, I decided to finally try something different. I haven’t looked back since!

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A little history

Cacio e Pepe originated in Italy’s capital city, Rome. Its roots can be traced back to times when shepherds moved their flock. They needed hearty meals and simple ingredients for their lasting journeys, so they opted for pasta which contained the necessary carbohydrates for them to keep their energy. To that they added the fragrant peppercorn and aged pecorino cheese which didn’t spoil easily. This recipe was the perfect combination for those long travels.  

This dish has made its way around the mountains and countryside, to Abruzzo and Umbria, and then, finally, to its motherland, Rome. What made this dish ideal was the heat that emanated from the pepper. It kept the shepherds warm during the winter and their stomachs full for extended periods.  

The simplicity of the dish has kept its appeal, especially for people who are just finding their feet in the kitchen. If you are a person who wants to remain frugal and well-fed, then I commend you and dedicate offer you this peace.  

Italians are very strict when it comes to the authenticity of their cuisine. That is why it’s important to stay close to the essential parts of Cacio e Pepe. If you break this dish down into its main parts, you don’t have to get on a plane to taste Italy. In my experience, whenever you pour a spaghetti box into boiling water, the pasta multiplies, and a simple dinner becomes an army banquet. If you add incredible flavor to this combination, you have an experience everyone will remember.

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Ingredients

To make a stunning Cacio e Pepe, you will need the following ingredients:

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How to prepare

  1. Bring your pasta to a nice boil. Remember to season your water with salt and add a drizzle of olive oil so your pasta does not stick together.
  2. Add two tablespoons of olive oil to a pan over medium heat and add your black pepper.
  3. Once the pepper begins to sizzle, you will notice the scent that will permeate your kitchen. When you notice this, set it aside.
  4. Your pasta should be ready by now. Take your pasta and drain the water through a strainer. Save some of that hot, pasta water for the next step.
  5. Add your pasta to your pepper mixture along with the pecorino and parmesan cheese.
  6. Use that reserved pasta water and add it to your pan. Mix thoroughly to create the perfect sauce.
  7. Serve on a plate and sprinkle some cheese over the top of your dish.
  8. Enjoy with your family and loved ones and be sure to save those leftovers!

If you want to make your life easier and your meals more delicious, you can stick to simple recipes like these. They will make you fall in love with the cooking process and the wonderful ingredients that come with it. Cacio e Pepe has traveled far an wide, but its authenticity never ceases to amaze those who relish in it.

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How to Make Authentic Cacio e Pepe

María Hernández Feo
If you want to experience one of Italy's finest creations, try making this delicious Cacio e Pepe recipe. Its vast history has transformed people's understanding of what it means to cook delicious food with simple ingredients. This is dedicated for those of you who are cheese crazed and love to experience a pungent heat in every meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Pot
  • 1 Pan
  • 1 cheese grater.
  • 1 strainer.
  • 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • ½ cup freshly grated pecorino cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large pot with water and place it over medium high heat. Bring to a boil and season the water with salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Drop the pasta in the pot and cook under tender. Save a cup of the pasta water for later.
  • Add olive oil to a pan over medium heat and add the black pepper.
  • Once the pepper begins to sizzle and becomes fragrant, set it aside.
  • Add the pasta to the pepper mixture along with the pecorino and parmesan cheese.
  • Add the reserved pasta water to the pan and mix thoroughly to create the perfect sauce.
  • Serve on a plate and sprinkle some cheese over the top of your dish. Enjoy with your family and loved ones and be sure to save those leftovers!

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Keyword Cacio e Pepe, parmesan, pasta, pecorino, pepper, spaghetti
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