Main Meals

Cacio e pepe

2
Easy
5 minutes

This version of cacio e pepe is super peppery as the pepper acts as a counter to the richness of the butter and cheese. But you can adjust the amount of pepper to your liking.

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Ingredients

Method
  • 250 - 300 g spaghetti (or linguine or bucatini)
  • salt, to taste
  • 100 g Parmesan or Pecorino (or a mix of the two)
  • 60 g butter (or about 2 - 3 T)
  • 1 – 2 T freshly ground black pepper

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil and cook the pasta for 2 -3 minutes less than the package says. It’s important the pasta is very al dente at this stage as it will continue cooking in the final stages of the sauce. Drain in a colander suspended over a heat-proof bowl to catch the pasta water.

2. While the pasta is cooking, finely grate the cheese using a Microplane grater and set aside.

3. In a large pan, melt the butter over a medium heat and add in the freshly ground or cracked pepper. The flavour of the pepper is important here, so don't skimp on it. Once added to the butter, allow the pepper to bloom in the butter to release the flavour.

4. Once the black pepper is fragrant, add the cooked pasta and roughly half a cup of the pasta water, tossing to mix everything through. Make sure the water is hot, before removing the pan from the heat.

5. Add the cheese a handful at a time, tossing the pasta continuously and only adding more cheese once the first batch has mostly melted. Before the last handful of cheese, add one more splash of water, continuing to toss until a smooth, silky sauce forms. If you need to, put the pan back on a low heat to help the cheese melt. You’re looking for a saucy, glossy result. Check the seasoning, adding both salt and pepper if you need to, before dividing between two plates and serving.

Find more pasta recipes here. 

Production: Bianca Strydom
Photograph: Jan Ras

Jess Spiro

Recipe by: Jess Spiro

Jess Spiro is a freelance food writer, chef and restaurant critic based in Cape Town, who can often be found in search of the next great plate of food. Follow her on Instagram @jess_spiro to see what she's eating.

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Comments

  • default
    Debbie Griffiths
    31 May 2021

    I made this recipe for a lazy Sunday evening meal for my hubby and I, and it was SO good!! I thought it might be too oily as it looks like a lot of butter, but it definitely wasn’t, it really added to the rich yumminess of the end result.
    This recipe is a keeper!

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