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.
Chitarrina Abruzzese is a typical regional speciality with an original long shape and a square cross section which is smaller that the classic Maccheroni alla Chitarra.
Historically, the pasta was cut with a special tool called a "chitarra" (guitar), consisting of a wooden frame over which thin, steel wires were stretched. The pasta, which was not excessively thin (about the thickness between one wire and another) was placed on the wires and then cut by pressing on it with a special little rolling pin.
This type of pasta is typically eaten with lamb ragù. In certain areas of Abruzzo, the traditional condiment for Chitarrina Abruzzese is a tomato sauce enriched with veal meatballs measuring about one centimetre across, known as "pallottelle".
The Chitarra Abruzzese is also excellent with different types of meat gravy, with sauces made from tomatoes and aubergines, or fish.
Available in 500g packs