In the world of Italian cuisine, there are so many different, delicious recipes out there that there will always be something new to discover! With so many types of pasta, different toppings to use, and sauces and spices to add, there seems to be no end to the possibilities of Italian cooking. If you’ve looked on our menu before, you may have noticed that we have a dish called cacio e pepe. There’s a lot more to this dish than meets the eye; we’ll give you a crash course on it below!
The Base Dish
Cacio e pepe may sound like a fancy name for a dish, but it’s actually pretty simple. Quite literally, cacio e pepe translates to “cheese and pepper” in Italian. That’s right – cacio e pepe is actually the Italian take on mac and cheese! It’s a dish that’s pretty simple to make too; all you need is a little bit of pasta (such as spaghetti or rotini), some parmesan cheese, and some black pepper. Once you’ve combined those ingredients, you’ll have yourself a completed dish!
Origins
Would you believe us if we told you that cacio e pepe actually predates mac and cheese? In fact, it predates mac and cheese by a LOT; cacio e pepe is thought to be one of the oldest Italian dishes on record! Its first usage dates all the way back to the days of the Roman Empire. The dish was beloved by Roman shepherds thanks to the fact that the ingredients are hard to spoil and easy to carry. It makes for a good on-the-go dish that can be made anywhere, anytime!
Health Benefits
A cacio e pepe dish is as healthy as you make it. If you want a healthier variation of the dish, consider going light on the cheese and butter when you’re first preparing it. Other than that, cacio e pepe is a great source of carbohydrates and a small amount of protein as well. If you’re looking for an after-workout meal or want to carbo-load, the cacio e pepe dish is perfect.
Cacio e Pepe at Quattro
If you’re looking for the cacio e pepe dish, come to Quattro today! We carry a wide variety of Italian cuisines as well as brick oven pizzas that taste like they came straight from the heart of Italy. There’s no better place for great pizza, wonderful ambiance and good company. Get the experience for yourself by making a reservation with us today!