I Absolutely Love Pasta

[Jules]

Mac ’n Cheese was considered exotic when I was a kid. Can barely afford to make the real thing now.

I have a whole drawer dedicated to pasta and noodles. I don’t even serve these that often.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I don't think I've ever met someone who doesn't like pasta! Pasta meals are so quick and easy, so that's right up my alley, even though I don't make them often. What's your favorite pasta dish Officer?

 

[officerripley]

I don't think I've ever met someone who doesn't like pasta! Pasta meals are so quick and easy, so that's right up my alley, even though I don't make them often. What's your favorite pasta dish Officer?

I can;t think of any pasta dish that's not my favorite, lol. It's good with everything!

 

[Bella]

I grew up loving pasta. My grandma made her own, and it was delicious. I watched her make it many times in different forms on her giant wooden board, and she prepared them in a variety of ways. I was always delighted when I walked into her house and saw pasta hanging on wooden drying racks from the living room to the dining room and into the kitchen.

A friend once told me to only buy pasta that has been imported from Italy. (Instead of made in USA) . That they use a different flour and the flavor is better. True? I don’t know.

I started doing that and do think the flavor and texture is better. But I don’t know if I’m just being affected by the power of suggestion
I watch for imported brands to go on sale.

Do y’all have any brand preferences?

Yes, because it's made with semolina flour, and it tastes better, at least to me.

Durum Wheat Semolina is milled from Italian hard durum wheat. This flour’s higher protein content makes it ideal for preparing all types of Pasta, Biscuits, and Bread. Durum has a yellow endosperm, which gives the pasta its color. When durum is milled, the endosperm is ground into a granular product called semolina. Semolina made from durum is used for premium pasta and bread. A product can be called durum wheat semolina pasta only when it is the result of the extrusion, rolling and drying of dough made exclusively from hard wheat and water without the addition of coloring agents or preservatives. The special properties of durum wheat mean that the starch is not lost and the pasta doesn't overcook, ensuring it's al dente with an authentic taste.

We know taste is subjective, so the best thing to do is try a few brands and see what you like best.

Pasta Brands Ranked: From Worst to Best (Honest Italian Review)

22 Italian Pasta Brands Available in the US - A Helpful Guide to Authentic Choices - Italian Cooking and Living - Italian Products and All About Italy

 

[Jules]

That was an excellent article @Bella. I just checked if my pasta was made from durum wheat semolina, which it was. I expect it’s Canadian, though one package was one of the good ones listed.

I also have Bechtel egg noodles and Arborio rice in that drawer.

It’s time for me to make a pasta dinner.

 

[horseless carriage]

Several years ago, my brother sent me a variety of pastas from Italy, when he & my sister-in-law were vacationing there. They were good .. and, definitely different from the "Made in Italy" pastas sold in our supermarkets.

My wife is gluten intolerant we cook pasta using a gluten free option. Gluten-free (GF) flour often changes the flavour profile of pasta compared to traditional wheat-based pasta, but it does not always mean a total loss of rich flavour. Whilst high-quality GF brands have made significant advancements to mimic the taste and texture of traditional pasta, they tend to offer a different, often more delicate or distinct taste based on their ingredients. We enjoy pasta at least twice a week, albeit gluten free. Lasagna and tagliatelle being firm favourites.