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
Pasta shapes that resemble small animals found in the garden or in fields are not uncommon.
Some people claim that Lumache (snails) can be traced back to the tradition of Roman cooking while others maintain that this type of pasta originated more generically from the central-southern part of Italy.
Lumachine (little snails), a smaller variation of the classic Pipe, are a whimsical shape and have always been considered a great pasta for any kind of sauce for all the family because children love it too thanks to its small, attractive shape.
Lumachine are best used in broths, or in vegetable or bean soups. This pasta is also excellent for preparing very delicate pasta dishes with light tomato and basil sauces.
Available in 500g pack.s