In a dry skillet, the crushed peppercorns fill the kitchen with their scent before the pecorino even melts: Place des Épices’ organic Malabar black pepper, of the top MG1 grade, lends this pasta a powerful yet measured presence and a long finish.

Serves 2 · 20 min

  1. Toast 2 tsp coarsely crushed Malabar black peppercorns in a large dry skillet for 1 minute.
  2. Cook 7 oz (200 g) spaghetti in lightly salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup (240 ml) of the cooking water.
  3. Add a ladle of pasta water to the pepper, then the spaghetti and, off the heat, 1 1/2 cups (120 g) finely grated pecorino, adding more water until creamy.
  4. Serve immediately with an extra grinding of pepper.

The star of this recipe: Black Peppercorn Malabar, by Place des Épices.

— Clipperton