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EFK Kitchen Ready

EFK Cacio e Pepe

Roman-style pasta centered on Pecorino Romano and toasted black pepper. The technique depends on starchy pasta water and controlled heat, not cream.

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From the EFK recipe collection
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Yield
4 servings

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Ingredients

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Directions

  1. Bring a wide pot of water to a boil and salt it lightly; Pecorino is already salty. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, reserving at least 1 1/2 cups starchy water.
  2. Toast the cracked pepper in a wide skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute. Add about 1/2 cup pasta water and simmer briefly.
  3. Transfer the pasta to the skillet and toss until almost tender, adding another splash of pasta water as needed.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for about 30 seconds. Add the Pecorino a little at a time while tossing vigorously. Add small amounts of pasta water until the cheese forms a creamy coating instead of clumping.
  5. Serve immediately with more pepper and Pecorino.

Equipment

BlueStar range

Wide pasta pot or deep skillet

Large skillet

Fine grater or Microplane

Tongs

Food safety & storage

Serve immediately for best texture. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days; reheat leftovers to 165°F.

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