The Grattata pasta (gratings) belongs to the minute pasta family to be cooked in broth.
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the province of Trieste in particular, but also in other regions such as Tuscany and Basilicata, this type of broth was used as a starter at important meals, like wedding receptions, for example. It was thought that it stimulated the appetite in readiness for the rich, hearty dishes that were to follow.
In Umbria, on the other hand, it was cooked for nursing mothers in goose or pork broth.
Grattata pasta is especially good for preparing clear soups such as broths or consommé, enhanced with croutons or vegetables cut in julienne strips.
This pasta can be used in thick creamy or velvety soups.
Available in 250g packs.
Lasagna is one of the oldest forms of pasta recorded. It probably corresponds to the Latin "Lagana" (which in turn was derived from the Greek "laganon": large, flat sheet of pasta cut into strips) and it began to be known as "Lasagna" probably after the year 1000 AD. The first traces of the widespread use of the term "Lasagna" can be found in the works of the most renowned 12th century Italian poets. "Granel di pepe vince / per virtù la lasagna", (a peppercorn beats lasagna for virtue) states Jacopone da Todi. Cecco Angiolieri,on the other hand, warns his readers, "chi de l'altrui farina fa lasagne / il su' castello non ha ne muro ne fosso" (He who makes lasagna with another's flour / his castle will have no walls or moat).
It has long been one of the most well-known and popular types of pasta in Italian cooking, and the simplest and most commonly used recipe calls for a ragù, béchamel and parmesan, although mozzarella has also been introduced more recently.
Delicious "white" versions are also quite commonplace with sauces made from mushrooms and vegetables.
Available in 500g packs