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 times of Roman cooking while others maintain that this type of pasta originated more generically from the central-southern part of Italy.
Lumache Rigate (grooved snails) are a delicious variation of the classic Pipe and have a whimsical shape which, thanks to the double-ended opening and the distinctive ridges, is perfect for mixing up with and capturing less dense, more liquid sauces.
Lumache Rigate are especially good with ragù sauces made from pork or beef, sausages or mushrooms. This pasta is also perfect for summer dishes with light sauces made from fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, or oven-baked dishes.
Available in 500g pack.s