Zatar Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe with Zatar (V)

A delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, this version combines the traditional creamy, cheesy sauce with the earthy, aromatic flavours of zatar, creating a unique fusion of Italian and Middle Eastern tastes. It’s simple, comforting, and full of character!

Ingredients:

- 200g (7 oz) spaghetti or your preferred pasta

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 tablespoon butter

- 2 teaspoons zatar

- 1/2 cup (50g) finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or a mix of Pecorino and Parmesan)

- 1/4 cup (25g) freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

- 1/2 cup (120ml) reserved pasta cooking water

- Sea salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

2. Toast the Zatar and Pepper

- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large flat pan over medium heat.

- Add the freshly ground black pepper to the pan and toast it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will bring out the flavour of the pepper and create a fragrant base.

- Add the zatar and continue to cook for a few seconds only otherwise the sesame seeds will burn

3. Create the Sauce

- Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the pan with the pepper and zatar mixture. Toss the pasta well to coat it evenly in the oil and spices.

- Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. You want the sauce to coat the pasta without being too runny.

4. Add the Cheese

- Gradually sprinkle in the grated Pecorino Romano (or the Pecorino-Parmesan mix) and continue tossing until the cheese melts and forms a creamy, luscious sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

5. Finish and Serve

- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or zatar if desired.

- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with a little extra zatar on top for an added burst of flavour.

- Optionally, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh, aromatic finish.

6. Enjoy!

- Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and subtly spiced flavour of your Cacio e Pepe with Zatar!

Tips:

- You can adjust the amount of zatar to suit your taste, depending on how bold you want the Middle Eastern influence to be.

- If you prefer a stronger cheese flavour, you can use a bit more Pecorino Romano or Parmesan.

- For extra richness, you can also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the finished pasta before serving.

This Cacio e Pepe with Zatar is a beautiful fusion dish that combines the simplicity of Italian comfort food with the aromatic complexity of zatar. Enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic!

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