Link to article
Cacio e Pepe

Course: Entree | Beer Style: Saison

Cacio e Pepe with Saison

When I was in Rome, I couldn’t eat enough Cacio e Pepe—the patron pasta of Roman dishes. It was simple yet elegant with its cheesy, peppery goodness, and totally something I could recreate at home. Except the Romans are missing a key ingredient—beer! With all the delicious Italian-brewed farmhouse ales, I couldn’t help but wonder what the earth and spice notes of a traditional Saison would do to this dish. The answer? Wonders!

Share Post

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • 12 oz pasta (author used Fettuccine)
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided into cubes
  • 2 Tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup of Saison (go for a traditional one without citrus or other flavor additions)
  • 1 1/2 cups of finely grated Parmesan
  • 2/3 cup finely grated Pecorino

Directions

  1. To make this Cacio e Pepe with Saison, boil water for pasta. Once the water is boiling, season with salt and cook pasta. Follow the package instructions, and drain about two minutes before done. Be sure to reserve a cup of the starchy, cooking water before draining.
  2. Melt 4 Tbsp of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pepper to the butter. Swirl the pan for one minute until the pepper is toasted and fragrant.
  3. Pour beer into the skillet. Once the beer is simmering, add the pasta and remaining butter. Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese.
  4. Toss the pasta until the cheese is melted. Remove skillet from the heat.
  5. Add the Pecorino and toss pasta until the cheese melts and the sauce coats the pasta. If the pasta looks dry, add some of the reserved starch water.

Bryan M. Richards is a beer, food, and travel writer based in Charlotte. His work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Beer Advocate, and just about anything with the word Charlotte in it. All around rad dude that is a proud supporter of the NE IPA movement.


Suggested Recipes

Link to article
watermelon beer popsicles

Dessert

Watermelon Beer Popsicles

Try these refreshing watermelon beer popsicles made with 21st Amendment Brewery's Hell or High Watermelon Wheat, lime and mint.

Read More
Link to article
Coq Au Brun Craft Beer

Entree

Coq Au Brun

Coq au vin is a delicious traditional French dish composed of braised chicken, lardons, mushrooms and, typically, earthy red Burgundy. All across France there are many variations on this recipe depending on the wine made in the region. In Alsace, crisp white wine is used; in the South an orange wine or rosé. For our uniquely American craft beer approach, this recipe has been adapted to bring out the fall notes of a brown ale. This recipe can be made richer by changing to a dubbel as well. Served over potatoes this dish is a perfect complement to a cold autumn night.

Read More
Link to article

Entree

Breakfast Beer Popovers

These popovers made with your favorite barrel-aged beer are easy enough to make pre-caffeine and travel well if you need to send anyone to work or school with something to eat. These can be served drizzled with maple syrup or smothered in homemade pesto. They're even better when served with an oak-aged pale ale or ESB.

Read More