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 250g packs.
Spaghettoni Quadrati, a bigger, chunkier variation of the classic Maccheroni alla Chitarra, are especially good with dishes that have a strong, marked taste or for recipes that have to be tossed in the frying pan.
This pasta is ideal for traditional recipes such as "carbonara", "amatriciana" and "alla gricia".
Available in 500g pack.