In the region where they were created in Sardinia, they are called "malloreddus" which in Sardinian dialect literally means "little gnocchi" and they are by definition considered to be the most typical dish.
The unusual thing about these little gnocchi is their size, which has been developed to create an exceptional consistency, and the ridged surface which at one time was obtained by pressing the pieces of pasta with the thumb on the bottom of a wicker basket called "ciurili". Nowadays this is done by using a grooved board.
Gnocchetti sardi are particularly good with traditional recipes combined with fresh ricotta or sheep's cheese, as well as being excellent with tomato or meat sauces.
Available in 500g or 3 Kg packs.
Tortiglioni are one of many varieties of maccherone, one of the oldest types of pasta originating from Naples.
The name in Italian refers to the shape and comes from the Vulgar Latin tortillare which literally means to wrap in a spiral with a characteristic pattern from the lathe used in pasta production.
The shape is particularly versatile, but also very original, and best suited to full-bodied sauces.
Tortiglioni are excellent served with succulent, meat-based sauces. They are also very good served with tomato sauce or vegetable and tomato sauces. It is a particularly suitable type of pasta for oven-baked dishes.
Available in 500g and 3 Kg packs.