One pot orzo cacio e pepe
If you know me, you know that i’m always in the mood for anything cheesy and easy to make. This one pot dish ticks every box, just one pot to wash, it comes together in about half an hour and it only requires 6 ingredients. (You could add extra’s if you want to)
What is cacio e pepe?
Cacio e pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in the region of Lazio, which includes Rome. The name "cacio e pepe" translates to "cheese and pepper" in Italian, and those are the primary ingredients used in the dish. The traditional preparation of cacio e pepe involves simple yet flavorful ingredients. The pasta used is typically spaghetti. The dish is made by combining al dente cooked pasta with a sauce made from pecorino Romano cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and pasta cooking water.
Today we’re making it a little different but I promise it will still be as delicious.
A little note though, you have to buy this amazing vegan Italian made parmesan/pecorino cheese in order to make this dish. This is my favorite kind of vegan cheese on the market right now and we use it daily both at home and at the restaurant.
If you find this one pot orzo dish to simple or lacking color you could add some extra’s to spice it up.
Try roasting a bulb of garlic wrapped in tin foil with a drizzle of olive oil. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until soft and toasty. Squeeze out the garlic and add it to the orzo when you add the cheese. A garlic lovers dream.
You could add some greens like sauteed spinach or broccoli into the pan. They both go well with cheese and give this dish some more color and a nutrient boost
Herbs are a cooks best friend, I ALWAYS have herbs in my kitchen or in the garden to help spice my recipes up. You could add some rosemary or thyme for a more earthy note or try adding some fresh basil on top. If you’re adding the basil then please add roasted garlic and some roasted or confit cherry tomatoes too. Che bontaaaa!!!
Before we dive into this recipe I wanted to give a shoutout to Sophia Simota from Kiln & kitchen who made this recipe in the first place and I wanted to veganize it.
Serves 2-4 people
Ingredients
2 tbsp of plant based butter butter
1 cup/ 200 gr orzo
1 tbsp of cracked black pepper
3 cups / 700 ml water or veggie broth
1 tsp salt, skip if using veggie broth
1 cup / 100 gr fresh grated vegan parmesan cheese
How to
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the orzo and pepper and toast for a minute or two.
Add water or broth and salt. Mix, bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer until the orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
Turn the heat off and stir in the grated cheese. Add some more water or broth if the orzo gets too thick.
Taste and season to taste if needed.
SHARING IS CARING!
Did you make this? Tag me @lunatrapani on instagram. Love to see your creations.
