Cacio e Pepe “cheese and pepper” pasta! Recipe (with Video)

Preparing the Pepper
1. Add freshly cracked pepper to a dry pan.
2. Toast it for 25-30 seconds before adding in the olive oil.
3. Now add cold water and set it aside.
Cooking the Pasta
1. Cook your pasta al dente.
2. Save 1-2 cups of pasta water in case you need it for later.
Combining Pasta and Pepper Sauce
1. Now bring the pepper sauce back to the stove and when it’s hot, add the pasta.
2. Let the water soak almost completely before turning off the stove.
Adding the Cheese
1. Once it’s been off the heat for a minute, add in the freshly grated cheese.
2. If you add the cheese to hot pasta, it will separate, hence wait a minute.
Final Touches
1. Add extra crushed black pepper and Pecorino Romano once ready to serve.
2. And for some flavor, a little bit of lemon zest.
3. Enjoy!