Vegemite Cacio e Pepe
Rome's most famous pasta gets a happy little Vegemite - salty, glossy, peppery and unapologetically Australian.
Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup (185g) softened salted butter
1/4 cup (40g) Vegemite
500g dry bucatini or linguine (for a first date)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups (150g) grated pecorino cheese
1 1/2 cups (150g) grated grana padano cheese
METHOD
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine the softened butter and Vegemite until well mixed.
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water (at least 5 litres) to the boil.
Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, setting a timer for 2 minutes less than al dente.
Meanwhile, in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat, saute the garlic and black pepper in the olive oil until fragrant, about 4 minutes.
Once the pasta is ready, transfer it directly from the boiling water to the frying pan using tongs.
Reduce the heat to low and add the Vegemite butter along with the grated pecorino and grana padano in 1/2 cup increments, tossing and mixing gently with the tongs. Add pasta water as needed; the combination of water, butter and cheese makes the sauce.
Continue tossing until the pasta is glossy and coated evenly. Remove from the heat.
If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve immediately.
HINTS
Leftover Vegemite butter belongs in a jar in the fridge - future toast and camping trips will thank you.
Keep the pot of pasta water until the very end - it's the third ingredient of the sauce, and draining it is the only real way to fail this recipe.
Add the cheese off high heat and in increments or it seizes into clumps - low, slow tossing is what buys the gloss.
NUTRITION (per recipe total, serves 4-6 - guide only):
Energy: approximately 19300kJ (4620 calories)
Protein: 160g
Fat: 260g
Saturated fat: 150g
Carbohydrates: 365g
Sugars: 8g
Fibre: 15g
Sodium: 5800mg
This nutrition information is a guide only and may vary depending on brands, exact quantities, and ingredient substitutions used.