Over the years popular opinion is that pasta is the food of the Gods. And very rightly so. It is by far the second most famous Italian dish (first being pizza of course) and Italians have the best food profile and today is the day dedicated to these yummy creamy dishes. It’s the World Pasta Day! There is so much to work on with Italian cuisine that the total number and types of pasta preparations will make your head do the rounds. With every different sauce comes a different kind of pasta. But that is the bigger picture. The pasta itself comes in different shapes and sizes, each conducive to the occasion in which you are preparing it. Pasta over the years has puzzled people so much that we thought it to be imperative to evolve an easy handbook of pasta theory.
Pappardelle – Almost Like Flat Noodles
They are a kind of egg noodle only thicker, sort of like a thicker version of your average noodle. They can be made with some spicy red sauce.
Farfalle – The Bow-tie Pasta
It is by far the prettiest kind of pasta which comes in the shape of a bow tie. The name when directly translated means butterfly. This is the kind usually used to make cold salads and as a dressing.
Campanelle – Bellflower Pasta
They look like pretty bell-flowers and roll really well with some good old creamy white and super cheesy sauces.
Angel hair – Noodle-like Pasta
The name itself says it all. It is by far the thinnest kind of pasta (not to be confused with noodles) and cook very easily and quickly. They are like long strands of hair that would make the perfect match with a broth or light sauce.
Acini de Pepe – The Micro-Pasta
When translated it means small parts of pepper. They are so tiny that you cannot spot one with your naked eye. They are small and round and very versatile hence they can be included in a wide range of dishes.
Gnocchi – Pasta Dumplings
They are dumplings made from egg, flour, and potato that are cooked in a sauce or can also be used for baking purposes.
Orzo – Rice-like Pasta
This looks very less like your average pasta and more like rice only thicker. It is used in salads and the like.
Ravioli – The Pillow Pasta
They are pillows of flavor and when you put them inside your mouth you will definitely go straight to food coma. They are dumplings that usually containing a rich filling made either of meat or cheese or eggs or veggies and then served in a thick broth.
Besides these, there are your regular pasta kinds like penne, lasagne, tortellini, spaghetti, macaroni. The ones mentioned above definitely doesn’t include all kinds of pasta, just the ones that are unique in size and shape. How Italian do you feel at the end of this post? Head to your nearest Italian diner and treat yourself to a good plate of pasta and let us know how you feel about knowing a little more about this amazing food than your chef. Thank us later.
