Dairy
Pecorino Romano
Also called pecorino
What it is
Hard, salty sheep's milk cheese. The Roman pasta cheese.
Origin
Lazio, Sardinia and related sheep-cheese traditions.
Flavour
Sharp, salty, sheepy in the best way.
How to use it
Finely grate. It is saltier than parmigiano, so season the pasta water a little less if you are heavy-handed.
Storage
Wrap and refrigerate.
Can you recognise Pecorino Romano?
Ingredient challengeQuestions about Pecorino Romano
From this ingredient's notes in the catalogue — not a chatbot.
What is Pecorino Romano?
Hard, salty sheep's milk cheese. The Roman pasta cheese.
How do I use Pecorino Romano?
Finely grate. It is saltier than parmigiano, so season the pasta water a little less if you are heavy-handed.
How do I store Pecorino Romano?
Wrap and refrigerate.
What does it taste like?
Sharp, salty, sheepy in the best way.
What allergens should I watch?
Milk. Check the packet in your kitchen.
What can replace Pecorino Romano?
Parmigiano Reggiano (high for pasta, finishing). Parmigiano is milder and less salty. Use a little more pepper.
Nutrition
Per 100g · estimate · USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables. Values are typical, not lab tests of your shopping bag.
Allergens: Milk
Recipes using it
Carbonara
Carbonara
Roman pasta of guanciale, egg, pecorino and pepper — no cream, no peas, no debate in this house except the usual one.
30 minMediumNo chilli
Cacio e pepe
Cacio e pepe
Pecorino, pepper and pasta water — a Roman emulsion that looks like nothing and fails if you rush it.
20 minMedium🌶️
Amatriciana
Amatriciana
Guanciale, tomato and pecorino — the Roman-Amatrice pasta that is not a generic bacon-and-red-sauce.
30 minEasy🌶️
Pesto alla Genovese
Pesto alla Genovese
Basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese and oil — pounded, not cooked, and not a jar of green oil.
27 minEasyNo chilli
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Spaghetti alla Carbonara from Italy. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hrA bit of workNo chilli
Rigatoni with fennel sausage sauce
Rigatoni with fennel sausage sauce from Italy. Times were inferred from the source steps.
1 hr 29 minA bit of workNo chilli