Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Bloom the Spices & Aromatics
- Place a heavy bottomed pan over medium-low heat. Add the butter, allowing it to melt gently. Once shimmering, add the freshly ground black pepper, the thinly sliced garlic clove, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toast these gently for roughly 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the kitchen fills with an incredible, peppery, garlicky aroma. The pepper should smell wonderfully fragrant and nutty, but not smoky or burnt.
Step 2: Introduce Beans & Build the Base
- As soon as the aromatics are bloomed, immediately pour in your white beans along with all their luscious bean stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Let this mixture gently reduce, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens beautifully, resembling a heavy cream coating the beans (about 5-7 minutes). If the beans begin to stick, loosen them with a tablespoon of water or a little more bean stock.
Step 3: Emulsify & Finish with Our Twist
- Take the pan completely off the heat to prevent the cheese from clumping. Fold through any remaining butter. Then, gradually stir through the Parmesan, freshly grating cheese directly into the pan if you haven't already. Stir vigorously and continuously until the butter, cheese, and starchy bean stock come together, creating a silky, glossy sauce. Finally, add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
- Plate up your Cacio e Pepe White Beans immediately. Finish each serving with another grind of freshly milled black pepper and a luxurious drizzle of good quality Extra virgin olive oil. Serve alongside some charred lemon, delicate steamed greens (like asparagus, kale, or tenderstem broccoli), or a crisp fresh side salad.
Nutrition
Notes
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of water or bean stock. Avoid freezing cheese-based sauces. Enjoy the warmth, spice, and lemon lift! Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.