Cacio e pepe
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Cacio e pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that exemplifies how less can be more in Italian cuisine. It is simple yet bursting with flavour and only uses a few high-quality ingredients to create a comforting and delicious dish. The star ingredients are cheese and toasted, coarsely ground black pepper, which come together to create a scrumptious and mouth-watering experience. Whether you are a pasta lover or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, cacio e pepe is sure to become a favourite.
Ingredients
3 l Water | |
|---|---|
1 tbsp Coarse salt | |
400 g Spaghetti | |
1 tbsp Black peppercorns | |
175 g Grated cheddar and maasdam cheese | |
40 g Butter |
Instructions
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Tip
To succeed with the recipe, be sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid a mushy texture. Reserving some pasta water before draining the spaghetti instead of simply using water from the tab will make the dish creamier and prevent any clumping. When toasting the peppercorns, be careful not to overdo it, as they can quickly become too bitter. And finally, use cheese that melts well to create a smooth and creamy sauce. You can add the cheese gradually in small amounts while stirring to ensure that it is fully incorporated into the dish.
Questions about cacio e pepe
Discover the treasures of Italian cuisine with our recipe for cacio e pepe. Below we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the classic pasta dish. Continue reading to learn more.
What is cacio e pepe?
How to make cacio e pepe?
What to serve with cacio e pepe?
What cheese is in cacio e pepe?
How to reheat cacio e pepe?
How to stop cacio e pepe from clumping?
Cacio e pepe – the classic, simple Italian pasta dish
Cacio e pepe is a perfect example of the beauty of Italian cuisine: using simple ingredients to create a dish that is both delicious and comforting. This classic pasta dish from Rome is a celebration of the simple and delicious combination of melty cheese and black peppercorns combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The recipe is quite straightforward, and if you follow our cacio e pepe recipe, you are sure to end up with a dish that is both rich and satisfying and yet deceptively easy to make. With its combination of bold and comforting flavours, cacio e pepe is a must-try for any connoisseur of Italian food.
For more Italian delights, be sure to check out our recipes for spaghetti bolognese, creamy spaghetti carbonara, or cannelloni with spinach and mushrooms.
Choosing the right spaghetti and cheese
Choosing the right ingredients is essential to making a delicious cacio e pepe. The first step is selecting the perfect spaghetti. You want to look for thick, high-quality pasta that will help the cheese and butter to cling to it. As for the cheese, it is important to choose one that melts well without being stringy or lumpy. We use a delicious type of pasta and gratin cheese that is full of flavour and have a slightly salty, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the peppery, pungent notes from the black peppercorns. When melted, the cheese creates a smooth and creamy texture that binds the pasta and spice together, resulting in a truly decadent and rewarding dish.
Authentic cacio e pepe with flavourful simple ingredients
Cacio e pepe is a prime example of how simple ingredients can create a culinary masterpiece. The authentic recipe calls for just a handful of elements, but each one is bursting with flavour. The cheese has a rich, nutty, and slightly salty taste that provides a distinctive tang that pairs perfectly with the pasta and coarsely ground black peppercorns. The toasted pepper gives a spicy kick that balances the saltiness of the cheese, while the texture of the pasta, when cooked al dente, adds to the overall flavour of the dish, even further highlighted by the sweet butter. When combined, these simple ingredients create a satisfying and delectable dish that leaves you wanting more.
Serve it as a first dish or main course
Cacio e pepe is a versatile dish that can be served as a first course or a main course, depending on your appetite. As a first course, it can be paired with a light salad or vegetable soup, making for a satisfying but not overwhelming meal. As a main course, it can be served with a heartier side dish like roasted vegetables or a side salad, making it a more substantial meal. Whatever the occasion, cacio e pepe is an Italian classic that is sure to please.
Experiment with a cacio e pepe with chicken
If you want to elevate your cacio e pepe to a more substantial main course, adding chicken is a great way to do it. Start by grilling or pan-frying chicken breast and cutting it into smaller pieces, which you can add to the pasta just before serving. The mild flavour of the chicken complements the sharpness of the cheese and the spiciness of the pepper, adding a new dimension to the dish. This is an excellent option for those who want to experiment with different flavours.
