cacio e pepe

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This is an extremely simple Roman dish, but there are a couple of precautions to take: The pasta should not be drained too much, and must be served very hot. The heat of the pasta melts the cheese and enhances the flavor of the black pepper. As soon as the pasta begins cooling down, it will no longer taste as good.

When the spaghetti is al dente (firm but not too soft or overcooked) drain in a colander without shaking it too much, to maintain the pasta moist.

Pour the pasta into a bowl, top with the cheese, and toss.

1/2 cup pecorino romano cheese, freshly grated
black pepper, freshly grated from the mill
1 lb (450 gr) spaghetti

salt

In a bowl, mix the grated pecorino romano cheese and a very generous quantity of black pepper freshly grated from the mill.

Cook the spaghetti in abundant salted water following manufacturer’s instructions, tasting for readiness from time to time. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta boiling water.

Add 1 or more tablespoon of the reserved cooking water. Toss thoroughly. Serve at once.