The dish is evocative of the Roman times, when shepherds would take their flock to graze in the Apennine mountains in the spring and summer months. For sustenance, they would carry dried homemade pasta and make cheese out of the sheep’s milk. Cacio e Pepe means “cheese and pepper” in several central Italian dialects. This traditional Cacio e Pepe takes about 20-25 minutes to make, with three easy ingredients. It is this simplicity and technique that makes the dish a favourite all over Italy.
-
Serves
2
-
Cook Time
00 h 25 m
Ingredients
- 100 gm spaghetti alla chitarra
- 35-40 gm Parmesan
- 20 gm butter
- 20 gm black pepper
- 5 l salted water
- 15 ml olive oil
- Salt to taste
Preparation
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water until its cooked al dente.
- Place a pan over medium flame, pour in some olive oil along with the butter, and add some freshly crushed black pepper.
- Throw in the boiled spaghetti along with some of the water from the pasta.
- Toss the pasta, so that everything comes together.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan and drizzle of olive oil.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!