With its roots in Italy, Cacio e Pepe stands out as a timeless dish, revered for its straightforwardness yet difficult to recreate with a twist. Stray too far from its essence, and you might find fervent Italian food enthusiasts airing their grievances online.
In my culinary journey, I’ve stumbled upon an ingenious twist. At its core, “Cacio e pepe” means “cheese and pepper”. So, diving into the world of pepper variations, this recipe uniquely incorporates black, white, and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a fiery sensation with a hint of that distinct numbing effect.
Absolutely adventurous!
Unbelievably delightful!
This Cacio e Pepe offers an exquisite blend of flavors, reminiscent of a harmonious dance between the East and West. With the conventional warmth of the black and white peppercorns complemented by the surprising tingle from the Sichuan variant, the dish achieves a fresh dimension of intricacy.
Trust me, its brilliance will astonish you subtly but surely. As you savor each bite, the layered flavors from the different peppercorns will transport you to a world of cheesy, peppery ecstasy. And, considering its swift preparation, you’d regret not indulging!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. dried spaghetti
- Salt (to preference)
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon green and red Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon white peppercorns
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup pecorino romano
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Initiate by cooking the spaghetti as indicated on its package. Remember to season the water generously with salt. For best results, set your timer for a minute shorter than the package’s suggested duration.
- Combine the peppercorns and grind them using your preferred method. Whether it’s a spice mill, grinder, or a mortar and pestle, aim for a blend of coarsely and finely ground pepper.
- As your pasta nears readiness, with about 4 minutes to go, warm the olive oil in a skillet over a medium flame. Ensure it’s spacious enough for the entire pasta quantity.
- Introduce around 2 teaspoons of the freshly ground peppercorn blend into the oil, allowing the flavors to seep into the oil without letting the pepper burn.
- Extract 3/4 cup of water from the boiling pasta, and pour it into the skillet with the peppery oil, amplifying the heat to medium-high. Exercise caution; there might be a spirited sizzle!
- With the pasta nearing its al dente stage, drain it and transfer to the skillet. Swiftly toss, incorporating the pecorino and parmesan. Add extra ground peppercorn to suit your spicy preference.
- Mix and turn the pasta ensuring a cheese-free consistency, letting the surplus water evolve into a lustrous, creamy sauce. Complete the dish with a dash more of cheese and freshly ground pepper.
Dishes that embrace a blend of traditions often carry a wealth of health benefits, and our Tri-Peppered Cacio e Pepe is no exception. Black pepper, for instance, is known to enhance digestion, while white pepper has metabolism-boosting qualities. The intriguing Sichuan peppercorn, on the other hand, is replete with vitamins and minerals. Complementing these with the heart-friendly attributes of olive oil, this recipe is not just a gustatory delight but a healthful choice. Experimenting with classic recipes can offer a refreshing change while adding unique nutritional benefits, making every meal both a treat and a health boost. Happy dining!