Maccheroni alla Chitarra are originally from Abruzzo and have an unusual long shape with a square cross section.
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 Maccheroni alla Chitarra is a tomato sauce enriched with veal meatballs measuring about one centimetre across, known as "pallottelle".
Maccheroni alla Chitarra are also excellent with different types of meat gravy, with sauces made from tomatoes and aubergines, or fish.
Available in 500g pack.s
Casareccia is originally from Sicily, but is also characteristic of other southern Italian regions.
This pasta is shaped like a small, smooth piece of parchment, rolled up and folded in at the top. The name conjures up its bygone home-made origins, an interpretation of the Arab-style "pasta busiata" obtained with the thin stem of a plant around which pieces of dough were at one time wrapped.
Casareccia is very good with classic ragù, although the smooth, slightly porous surface is also ideal for capturing all types of sauces, from traditional ones to even the simplest of sauces.
Available in 500g or 3 Kg packs.