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    Home » Al Fresco

    Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Spring Ramps

    Published: May 27, 2018 · Modified: Jul 10, 2021 by Philip + Mystique · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    As a nod to the Italian dish that got away and inspired by Constantine Toronto, Philip and I created our take on this classic meal, putting a seasonal twist on it to make a Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Spring Ramps. Do we have you dreaming of Italy yet?

    Sliced Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Spring Ramps next to plate of basil and black pepper

    In celebration of my 30th birthday, I jetted off with my mom (who also celebrated a big birthday) to Italy, the land of pizza and pasta. With a  laundry list of dishes I knew I had to experience (when in Italy), I inhaled, enjoyed and repeated classics like gelato, cannoli, pizza, gnocchi, meatballs, lasagna, tiramisu, ravioli, panini, and a few hundred espressos with equal amounts of vino rosso.

    But, one thing on my list I did't try... cacio e pepe. I know, how was I in Italy for two weeks, more specially Rome for six days, and not try their traditional dish. In my defence, every time I was about to order this pasta dish, carbonara (get our Pesto Carbonara recipe here) would catch my eye and without hesitation, I'd order another one of my favourite egg and pancetta pastas. Major regret not crossing this off my list, but fingers crossed that coin I threw in the Trevi fountain won't let me down.

    Spring Ramps on a Marble Counter

    What is Cacio e Pepe?

    Translated to mean cheese and pepper, Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish. Traditionally made by melting butter, adding in Pecorino cheese (cacio) and an incredibly generous amount of black pepper, the mixture magically comes together to create a luxurious cream sauce. Like all good things in life, it's incredibly simple and made with quality ingredients.

    With Philip's birthday being a few weeks after mine, we made a reservation at Constantine, a Toronto restaurant celebrating the diverse cuisine of distinct regions found in the Mediterranean, including Italy. Skimming the menu for names of dishes I knew best, I was intrigued to see a Cacio e Pepe pizza, taking two beloved Italian dishes and fusing them together. Genius.

    Hands Kneading Pizza Dough
    Cooking ramps in a white frying pan and brushing butter on pizza dough

    Tip: Use a pizza stone to ensure a crisp crust. Before topping the pizza, place the dough on a non-porous surface that is dusted with cornmeal or semolina flour. This will allow the dough to easily slide onto the baking stone.

    Topping pizza dough with mozzarella cheese

    As a nod to the Italian dish that got away and inspired by Constantine, Philip and I created our take on this classic meal, putting a seasonal twist on it to make a Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Spring Ramps. Adding notes of onion and garlic that complements the butter, pepper and cheese, our Cacio e Pepe Pizza resembles buttery garlic bread with stringy mozzarella and salty pecorino. Do we have you dreaming of Italy yet?

    Sliced Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Spring Ramps on a white marble table
    Ingredients for Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Spring Ramps

    Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Spring Ramps next to pizza cutter

    Cacio e Pepe Pizza with Spring Ramps

    Chef Sous Chef
    Cacio e pepe, a classic Italian pasta dish literally translating to cheese and pepper, is the very definition of simple eating. Made with seasonal spring ramps, pecorino romano and buffalo mozzarella, we have done our take of cacio e pepe by turning it into a simple and delicious pizza. Adding notes of onion and garlic that complements the butter, pepper and cheese, our Cacio e Pepe Pizza resembles buttery garlic bread with stringy mozzarella and salty pecorino. The addition of basil oil brightens the pizza and is sure to impress your partner or guests.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Course food and drink
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 2 - 9" pizzas

    Ingredients
      

    • For the Dough
    • 1 cup lukewarm water
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon dry active yeast
    • 2 cups bread flour plus additional for dusting (275g)
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
    • For the Toppings
    • 3 tablespoon butter melted
    • 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 8-10 fresh ramps roots trimmed and sliced in half lengthwise.
    • 50 g pecorino romano
    • 250 g Buffalo mozzarella
    • 2 sprigs basil finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 2-3 tablespoon cornmeal

    Instructions
     

    • No.1 | In a small bowl, mix together warm water, yeast and honey. Allow to sit for 10 minutes until yeast rises to the surface and becomes foamy. Meanwhile, measure or weigh out your flour in a large bowl and stir in the salt.
    • No.2 | Form a well in the centre of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture.  Stir until a shaggy dough forms and turn out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding a dusting of flour as required, about 3-5 minutes. Lightly oil a clean bowl, and place the dough ball inside. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a clean towel and place in a warm draft-free area. Allow to rise for at least one hour, until doubled in size.
    • No. 3 | After the dough has risen for 30 minutes, preheat your oven to 500°, or higher, if your oven allows. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven at this time to preheat. * see notes
    • No. 4 | Heat a skillet on medium high heat with 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the ramps in the pan and season with salt and pepper. Saute  until wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
    • No. 5 | Make a basil oil, by mixing together the chopped basil and olive oil.
    • No. 6 | Once dough has finished rising, turn out into a lightly floured surface. Divide into two equal pieces, then flatten and shape your dough using your fingers. Roll it out to about ¼” thickness. Place the dough on a cornmeal dusted baking sheet.
    • No. 7 | To top the pizza, brush the dough liberally with melted butter. Season heavily with fresh ground black pepper and sprinkle with half the pecorino romano cheese. Tear the buffalo mozzarella into small pieces and place sporadically on the pizza. Lay the ramps in and around the mozzarella then season again with pepper.
    • No. 8 | Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Remove the pizza and top with remaining pecorino romano and drizzle with basil oil. Slice and enjoy!

    Notes

    Using a pizza stone will ensure a crisp crust. Allow the stone to preheat with the oven. Before topping the pizza, place the dough on a non-porous surface that is dusted with cornmeal or semolina flour. This will allow the dough to easily slide onto the baking stone. Sprinkle additional cornmeal or semolina on the pizza stone before transferring the pizza for baking.
    Keyword Pizza, Ramps, Real Food
    Have you tried this recipe?Tag us on Instagram @chef.souschef or use the hashtag #chefsouschef and let us know how it was!

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary-Anne says

      June 10, 2018 at 4:50 pm

      This was the best "pizza" I ever ate. It reminded me of garlic bread but so much prettier. I will be making this every year during ramp season! What a creative way to use them. PS - Your photos are gorgeous!5 stars

      Reply
      • Chef Sous Chef says

        June 10, 2018 at 4:54 pm

        Haha, we thought the same thing; definitely an elevated garlic bread feel to it. Thanks for the lovely comments!

        Reply

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