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 and 250g packs
Garganelli, whose name is reminiscent of a chicken's oesophagus which in the dialect of Emilia Romagna is called "garganel", are short, ridged, pointed maccherone with the ends cut on a diagonal. This is done with a tool called a comb, similar to a loom, with two parallel pieces of wood joined by thin strips of reed.
The typical ridges are traditionally obtained by passing the outer surface of the pasta over a loom made of reeds called a "comb".
The best way to enjoy this type of pasta is to serve it with a tasty hare sauce or with a "guazzetto", a stew made from diced bacon and peas.
Available in 250g packs.