Whipped Sichuan Cacio e Pepe

Method

1. Start by prepping your dried pasta, olive oil, garlic so the cooking goes quickly.
2. Warm a splash of olive oil in a heavy pan over medium heat, then add the fennel bulb and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the cacio e pepe and let it whipped, undisturbed, so it takes on real color before you stir.
4. Stir in the olive oil along with a good pinch of salt, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom of the pan.
5. Off the heat, brighten it up with flaky sea salt and a final crack of pepper.
6. Plate it up while hot and pass extra at the table.