It is not an old myth to say that Italians eat pasta every day. The majority does. It is estimated that every Italian eats around 28 Kg a pasta a year which makes it 76 grams a day.
It is a staple just like potatoes would be in the UK or in many other Northern countries, but Italians will always eat pasta on its own using their favourite sauce rather than using it as starch and served with a form of protein all in one plate. Fish or meat will follow afterwards and served as a “secondo” with a salad or cooked vegetables. So unseasoned pasta served next to a steak or a stew are a no-no in Italy.
Pasta can be so versatile, it can be prepared in a rich creamy sauce or in a lighter sauce according to your taste and mood! I have pasta most days and I can never ever get bored with it, I guess it is in my genes but also it is because you can be so creative with it and prepare it in so many different ways.
So I was curious to try some Italian pasta from Terra Nostra.
I was sent truffle flavoured tagliatelle and sundried tomatoes flavoured fettuccine. Both came with a pouch of truffle flavoured olive oil and basil flavoured olive oil.
I loved the rough texture of this durum wheat egg pasta.
The truffle one was delicious drizzled with the truffle flavoured olive oil, chopped sage leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. I am truly mad about truffle, it is so addictive and can send your taste buds into heaven. Simply gorgeous.
For the sundried tomatoes fettuccine I followed one of the ways suggested on the packet and I chopped some cherry tomatoes, stir fried them in olive oil and put them over the pasta. I finished off with chopped rocket leaves and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. The result? A truly rustic pasta full of flavour with the taste of the Mediterranean.
Simplicity at its finest! I love it, Alida.
Alida,I am so glad that you reviewed this pasta, I bought some earlier this year when in San Ginesio, and I totally agree, it is divine, and I urge everyone to give it a try, I am sure you can now buy it on line. Grazie.
Oh that’s interesting. A really good pasta indeed. I’d love to visit San Ginesio one day too. I need to start travelling around Italy a bit more, with so many fab places to visit there!
Dear Alida, A great post on pasta and truffles. I have tried truffles and not that fond of the flavor, I know you must be reading this and saying “WHAT”… But here on Long Island it is not a big deal. I never grew up with them, so that is why I think I have no taste for them. But I know many people like you that love them. I do like the pastas you have chosen and love the dish made with sundried tomatoes and fettuccine. Now that I could go for in a minute as I love sun dried tomatoes. Interesting info on the pasta, and my mom is one of those that could eat it every day. Wonderful post Alida…Thanks for sharing this…..Dottie 🙂 Have a good weekend!
The flavour of truffle it’s not to everyone’s taste especially if you have never had it before and you are not used to it. But there are so many types of pasta and we are spoilt for choice these days. Which is good!
Che meraviglia questa pasta, sono entrambe gustose! Io mangerei pasta ogni giorno per quanto è buona! Felice weekend, baci!
Grazie cara. Viva la pasta!
Dear Alida, Pasta is the most versatile dish. These dishes are beautiful. Blessings dear . Catherine xo
Looks delicious!!! So simple, yet so heavenly…those are my favorite types of dishes!