What is Orecchiette?

orcchiette literally means "small ears" in Italian. It is also a type of pasta named for its small size and shape of the ear. When this pasta is cooked, it tends to be softer in the center and chewing inside. The consistency of these pasta comes from its ingredients and its design - thinner in the middle and stronger around the edges. Wheat flourishes in the region and creates pasta and bread both important parts of the local cuisine. Orecchiette is widely available throughout Italy also gains popularity in other countries. Similarly shaped pasta there were made since the Middle Ages. According to some accounts, these pasta was brought to Italy by the French dynasty known as Anjous, Circa 1200 A.D.

In southern Italy, Orecchiette are traditionally produced by hand from Durum wheat semi -leaf and the characteristic shape of small ears are created by pushing the thumb into the dice of the pasta. While pasta can usually be made by hand, there are also several commercial Orecchiette manufacturers. There are many recipes thatThey require Orecchiette, including several meals that pair pasta with broccoli or other vegetables.

There are other types of pasta that are very similar to Orecchiette. In Tarant, this pasta is called Chiancarelle. Strascinate is made of the same components, but lacking its characteristic shape of the dome. In Chinese cuisine there is a similar noodle called Maoerduo, whose name translates into "cats" ears. ”

The ingredients used in the preparation of these types of pasta include the duurum wheat half, water and salt. There are also variations that also use flour Durum wheat. Some recipes even require eggs and potatoes, but these ingredients are traditionally not used in Orecchiette. The lack of eggs in the traditional recipe is what lends pasta to its chewing consistency compared to pasta containing eggs.

Traditionally, the shape of the dome of the pasta is ideal for holding bOpened or robust sauces with meat or vegetables. Smooth or cream sauces are a less popular choice for pairing with these pasta. Raab sausage and broccoli are often used in regional meals of southern Italy, which contain Orecchiette. The cooking time for these pasta can take up to 20 minutes.