Traditionally cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) pasta is said to be one of the most ancient peasant foods, but throughout the years various schools of thought have provided quite different versions of the story. The most accurate seems to be that the dish belonged to shepherds’ tradition; they always carried sheep cheese, black pepper, and dried pasta in their backpack. Do you find it bizarre? Come to think of it, it was a perfect combination to bring along for those who spent several days away from home: seasoned pecorino has a long shelf life, black pepper provided heat to protect them form the cold weather, and as we all know past provided a strong carbohydrate and calorie intake.
Read more
