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
The origins of Capellini, with their evocative name (fine hair) and light consistency, are contested between the area around Genoa, Naples and the Ciociaria (central Italy). It is one of the thinnest types of long pasta wound into a nest shape.
Even the name Capellini is reminiscent of the fine consistency of this type of pasta which is ideal for infants from 9 months old onwards to help them get used to eating food for grown-ups.
Simple condiments are recommended for this type of pasta. It is excellent combined with butter dressings, such as uncooked butter and cheese, or melted butter with sage and cheese. Egg or fresh raw tomato based sauces are also excellent. Another way to enjoy Capellini is in a light, chicken broth. In addition to broths and pasta dishes with sauces, this pasta is also used to prepare oven-baked dishes in the Naples region.
Available in 500g packs.