Pasta is a staple dish in Western cuisine and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its unique name.
The origin of pasta is a subject of debate, with some claiming it originated in China and was brought back to Italy by Marco Polo, while others claim that it was created by the Roman Empire as a way to preserve grain. Regardless of its origin, pasta has been a staple dish for centuries and has undergone various improvements and innovations throughout history.
One of the key ingredients in pasta is durum wheat, which is a hard variety of wheat known for its high density, protein content, and stringiness. Durum wheat is used to make yellow pasta that is resistant to cooking and has a pleasant taste. In addition to straight pasta, there are also many other shapes such as spiral, curved, butterfly, hollow, and shell-shaped pasta.
The process of making pasta has also evolved over time. Initially, pasta dough was made by flattening flour balls into thin sheets and cooking them in an oven.
Later, the dough was cut into small pieces or long thin noodles, and the Arabs even came up with the idea of drying the noodles for storage. Today, there is also colored pasta made from fruits and vegetables.
In addition to the pasta itself, the sauce used is also crucial in determining the taste of a pasta dish. Sauces can be divided into red and white, with the red sauce being made from tomato as the base and the white sauce being made from flour, milk, and cream. There are also other flavors such as olive oil, pesto, and squid-ink sauce.
Making pasta at home is a simple and straightforward process. The main ingredients are pasta, chicken, onion, garlic, tomato, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, black pepper, and cheese. The steps involved are as follows:
1. Cook the pasta by boiling a pot of water, and adding salt, olive oil, and pasta. Let the pasta cook for 8 minutes, flipping it over once, then rinse with cool water and set aside.
2. In a pan, add olive oil, onion, and garlic and fry until the onion starts to color. Add sliced chicken and cook until tender.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, salt, and sugar, and fry until the tomatoes are tender. Add tomato paste and water and let the sauce simmer.
4. Season the sauce with sugar, black pepper, and salt to taste.
5. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and serve.
Pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that has a rich history and many variations. Whether made at home or in a restaurant, it is a staple dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. With the right ingredients and a simple recipe, anyone can make a delicious pasta dish.
