Cacio e Pepe

Serves 4.

Note: From Milk Street Cooking School, 177milkstreet.com/school/classes/online-classes. Do not use preshredded cheese. Instead, grate it on the small holes of a box grater. Let the pasta cool for a minute or so before adding the pecorino mixture.

• 2 tsp. cornstarch

• 6 oz. pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (1 1/4 c.), plus extra to serve

• 12 oz. linguine or spaghetti

• 2 tbsp. kosher salt

• 2 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more to serve

Directions

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, whisk 1 1/2 cups cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Add the pecorino and stir until evenly moistened. Set the pan over medium-low and cook, whisking constantly, until the cheese melts and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Stir the pasta and salt into the boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta very well. Return the pasta to the pot and let cool for about 1 minute.

Pour the pecorino mixture over the pasta and toss with tongs until combined, then toss in the pepper. Let stand, tossing 2 or 3 times, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 3 minutes. The pasta should be creamy but not loose. If needed, toss in reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time to adjust the consistency. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and serve, passing more pecorino and pepper on the side.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories 550 Fat 14 g

Sodium 1,010 mg Carbohydrates 78 g

Saturated fat 8 g Added sugars 0 g

Protein 28 g Cholesterol 44 mg

Dietary fiber 5 g

Exchanges per serving: 5 starch, 2 medium-fat protein.