What is Orecchiette and How do I Cook It?
12 days ago
12 days ago
What Is Orecchiette?
Orecchiette is a unique type of pasta that's been around for centuries. Its name means "little ears" in Italian, which perfectly describes its round, ear-like shape. These small, round pasta pieces have a thin centre and thicker edges, giving them a special texture that's both chewy and satisfying. What makes orecchiette stand out is its ability to hold sauces really well. Just think about! Those little dips in each piece act like tiny bowls, catching all the delicious flavours of sauce.How to Cook Orecchiette
Cooking orecchiette is pretty simple. Here's what you need to do:
- Boil a pot of salted water. *It should taste like seawater
- Add the orecchiette and stir gently.
- Cook for about 8-12 minutes if it's dried pasta, or 5-7 minutes if it's fresh. *And, whatever product you buy should have a cooking time listed on the label
- Keep an eye on it - when the pasta floats to the surface, it's almost done.
- Taste a piece to make sure it's cooked to your liking. It should be firm but not hard (this is called "al dente").
- Drain and add your favorite sauce.
Where Is Orecchiette Pasta From?
Orecchiette comes from Puglia, a beautiful region in southern Italy. It's been a local favourite there for hundreds of years - some say since the 12th or 13th century! Traditionally, orecchiette was made by hand. In fact, in some parts of Puglia, you can still see people making it on the streets, just like their ancestors did. It's a real part of the local culture and history.