Cacio e Pepe Delight: Effortless Recipe for a Quick & Classic Dish 👨‍🍳🍝

An effortless and quick meal for a lazy day.

Cacio e Pepe is a delicious Italian pasta dish made with simple ingredients: pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and a bit of starchy pasta water to create a creamy sauce. The key to a perfect cacio e pepe lies in the technique. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make it:

Simple Recipe for a Fast and Timeless Delicacy Ingredients:

• 350g (12 oz) spaghetti

• 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (you can also use a mix of Pecorino and Parmesan if you prefer)

• 1-2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to your taste)

• Salt (for pasta water)

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Cacio e Pepe

1. Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a rolling boil and add the spaghetti or pasta of your choice. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's just al dente. It's essential not to overcook the pasta.

2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining the cooked pasta, remember to save about 1 cup of pasta water. The starchy pasta water will be used to create the creamy sauce later.

3. Grind the black pepper: In the meantime, grind the black pepper using a pepper mill or mortar and pestle. Aim for a coarse grind as it adds a unique texture to the dish.

4. Grate the cheese: Grate the Pecorino Romano cheese finely. It's best to use freshly grated cheese for better results.

5. Combine the pasta, cheese, and pepper: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, return it to the pot while it's still hot. Add the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and the freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well so that the cheese coats the pasta evenly.

6. Create the creamy sauce: Slowly add some of the reserved pasta water to the pot, a little at a time, while continuously stirring the pasta. The starchy water will emulsify with the cheese and pepper, creating a creamy and rich sauce that coats the pasta.

7. Adjust the consistency: Continue adding pasta water and stirring until you achieve the desired creamy consistency. Be cautious not to make it too watery, so add the water gradually.

8. Serve immediately: Once you've reached the perfect creamy texture, serve the cacio e pepe immediately. You can top it with some extra Pecorino Romano and black pepper if desired.

Enjoy your homemade cacio e pepe! This dish is simple, but when executed correctly, it's incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Buon appetito!