Cacio e Pepe – DJ Seoul

Recipes by Request : a play on what happens during a DJ’s set… combining my love of cooking with the featured guest DJ.

15.04.2022


Background Story:

“It’s so simple but surprisingly extremely delicious. I learned of this dish in Rome, Italy and it easily became my favorite thing to eat and has changed the way I eat pasta forever.  It is only 3 ingredients: Cheese, Pepper and Noodles.  It comes from the times when Roman soldiers would have to march thousands of miles and still be able to carry food.  All 3 ingredients can be kept dry and only need water to prepare.  The Romans have perfected this dish and if you have never tried it, I implore you to do so.  It is so good, that I never use tomato sauce on pasta ever.  Only Cacio e pepe….”

-DJ Seoul

Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • Kosher salt
  • 6oz. pasta (such as egg tagliolini, bucatini, or spaghetti)
  • 3Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed, divided
  • 1tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¾cup finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan
  • ⅓cup finely grated Pecorino

Instructions:

  1. Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a 5-qt. pot. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until about 2 minutes before tender.
  2. Drain, reserving ¾ cup pasta cooking water.
  3. Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven or other large pot or skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add pepper and cook, swirling pan, until toasted, about 1 minute.
  5. Add ½ cup reserved pasta water to skillet and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add pasta and remaining butter. Reduce heat to low and add Grana Padano, stirring and tossing with tongs until melted.
  7. Remove pan from heat; add Pecorino, stirring and tossing until cheese melts, sauce coats the pasta, and pasta is al dente. (Add more pasta water if sauce seems dry.)
  8. Transfer pasta to warm bowls and serve.
  9. Enjoy!