Food Lab Basics: POV Cacio e Pepe (Roman mac and cheese), in about 12 minutes.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Making Cacio e Pepe Pasta

1. Gather Ingredients and Equipment:

   • Bucatini or any long skinny pasta
   • Salt
   • Olive oil
   • Butter
   • Black pepper
   • Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
   • Mortar and pestle or pepper mill
   • Pot for boiling water
   • Pan for cooking the sauce

2. Choose the Right Pasta:

   • Bucatini or any long skinny pasta works well for this dish.

3. Select Quality Pasta:

   • Choose pasta with a rough surface, indicating it was extruded slowly through brass dies, as it releases less starch into the water and enhances the dish's flavor.

4. Boil the Pasta:

   • Use a smaller volume of water to make the pasta water starchier.
   • Stir well at the beginning to prevent sticking.

5. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan.
   • Crush black pepper in a mortar and pestle or use a pepper mill.
   • Toast the pepper in the olive oil to enhance its flavor.

6. Add Ingredients:

   • Add butter to the pan for richness and easier emulsification of the sauce.
   • Grate Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for the sauce.

7. Emulsify the Sauce:

   • Add a little pasta water to the sauce to create a creamy texture.
   • Vigorously cook the sauce with the pasta until it thickens and emulsifies.

8. Adjust Consistency:

   • If the sauce looks dry or breaks, add more pasta water to keep it creamy.

9. Finish the Dish:

   • Check the pasta for doneness, ensuring it is al dente.
   • Add extra cheese and cracked black pepper on top before serving.

10. Serve and Enjoy:

• Plate the Cacio e Pepe pasta, garnishing it with additional cheese and pepper.
• Enjoy the classic Roman dish with its simple yet flavorful ingredients.

11. Optional Step:

• If desired, invite your Italian friends to enjoy the dish, using more water to cook the pasta traditionally.

12. Final Touch:

• Ensure the pasta is cooked to perfection and the sauce is creamy and well-emulsified before serving.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Cacio e Pepe pasta dish that is sure to impress your guests!