Did you know there are over 600 types of pasta loved around the world? It’s true, this nutritious and delicious food is versatile and can be used in a seemingly endless number of ways. Let’s take a moment to celebrate this delicious cuisine by learning a little more about it!
The Origin of Pasta
The origins of pasta date back to ancient times. For a while, there was a myth that Marco Polo introduced pasta to the world, but there’s evidence dating it back much further than that. The ancient Romans used to enjoy pasta made from a recipe of just flour and water. Pasta gained popularity in North America during the 19th century following an increase in Italian immigrants. In the year 1789, Thomas Jefferson brought crates of pasta over to America and it was an immediate hit with the locals.
Fresh or Dry – Which is Better?
Pasta comes in two forms, fresh or dry. Dry pasta is made using wheat and water, while fresh pasta contains egg too. An egg is a perishable ingredient which makes the time that this pasta can be enjoyed shorter than that of dry pasta. Neither type is better than the other, but they do have different tastes. It’s best to give both a try to narrow down which type of pasta you prefer!
How to Enjoy Pasta
Enjoying pasta is simple and almost impossible to mess up. Rather than buying a pre-made sauce to pair with your pasta, make one from the ingredients you have at home! Olive oil, garlic, onion, and tomato are some common staple items to use, but you can add or take away whatever you want to meet your preferred taste. Certain types of pasta pair better with a white, creamy sauce, while others are meant to be paired with a traditional red sauce that’s a bit lighter. Add meat of your choice to give your pasta even more flavor and texture!
Each time you sit down to enjoy pasta you’ll know you’re enjoying something that people have loved for centuries. Although the methods of making pasta may have changed with modern times, the iconic taste and texture remain the same.