A seemingly simple pasta recipe has ignited a culinary conflict between the UK and Italy! The popular UK food website, Good Food, published a recipe for the classic Roman dish, Cacio e Pepe, that has sparked fury among Italian food enthusiasts and restaurateurs. The controversy stems from the inclusion of ingredients considered sacrilegious to the authentic recipe.
The Offending Recipe: Four Ingredients?
Good Food's recipe described Cacio e Pepe as a quick and easy lunch, listing four ingredients: spaghetti, pepper, parmesan, and butter. This deviates significantly from the traditional Roman recipe, which only calls for three ingredients: pasta (typically tonnarelli or spaghetti), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.
Italian Outrage and Diplomatic Intervention
Fiepet Confesercenti, an Italian restaurant association, expressed astonishment at the recipe's appearance on such a respected food site. They emphasized that the true Cacio e Pepe consists of only three ingredients and deemed the inclusion of parmesan and butter a culinary crime. The association has contacted Immediate Media, the website's owner, and even the British embassy in Rome, demanding a correction to safeguard the integrity of this iconic dish.
The issue has gained widespread attention in Italian media, with one journalist at RAI, Italy's public broadcaster, expressing disbelief and suggesting the addition of cream gave him "goosebumps."
Good Food's Response
Good Food has responded to the criticism, stating that their recipe is designed for home cooks in the UK using readily available ingredients. They have also invited the Roman restaurant association to provide an authentic Italian version for publication and credit.
In a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post, Good Food joked about the recipe causing an "international incident," featuring a video of their Magazines Editor seemingly leaving the office with his belongings.
While some chefs may experiment with the dish, the core of the issue lies in the website presenting its version as the authentic origin of Cacio e Pepe, misleading readers.