Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Toast the Crispy Bread
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil until shimmering. Add two slices of your thick-cut white country bread. Cook, turning them halfway through, until each side is beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes total. Transfer these to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices and the other 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once all the bread is toasted, wipe out the skillet cleanly.
Bloom the Pepper
- Return the same skillet to medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 30 to 60 seconds until the pepper becomes wonderfully aromatic and fragrant.
Create the Creamy Cacio e Pepe Sauce with Our Twist
- From your two cans of cannellini beans, mash half of one can of beans in a small bowl, leaving the other half of that can whole for texture. Reserve the liquid from the second can of beans. Add the finely shredded Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, kosher salt, the whole can of beans (from the can you didn't mash from), the remaining whole beans from the mashed can, and the reserved bean liquid (from the second can) to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. As it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken beautifully, becoming lusciously creamy, in about 2 to 3 minutes.
Finish and Serve
- Finally, fold in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and the remaining can of whole cannellini beans. Taste and season with additional salt if needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the cheeses. Divide the warm bean mixture among your bowls. Top generously with extra finely shredded Parmesan and a final flourish of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately with your crispy toasted country bread on the side.
Nutrition
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop, adding water/broth to restore creaminess. The key to this recipe's creamy sauce is mashing half a can of beans and using the reserved liquid from the second can. Serve with crispy bread, extra cheese, and fresh black pepper. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.