Pasta: More than just spaghetti

By: Mercy Akinadewo

There are different kinds of pasta while the commonly known is Spaghetti. Pasta comes in different shapes and forms. They are also prepared and enjoyed in diverse ways; tomato sauces, creamy sauces, Bolognese and many more. In Nigeria, pasta are commonly eaten with tomato or creamy tomato sauce.

Spaghetti

Spaghetti is a long, round strands usually thick. It has a smooth and versatile texture making it one of the world’s most popular type of pasta and it is suitable for almost any sauce. Its best sauces are Bolognese, marinara and meatballs. In Nigeria, it is enjoyed with tomato sauce. It cooks for about 8-10 minutes.

Spaghettini

Spaghettini is common in Nigeria. It is long and round strands that are thinner than regular spaghetti. It is delicate and light. It is eaten with olive oil sauce, butter sauces, seafood sauces. In Nigeria, it is commonly taken with creamy and tomato sauce. Most local food sellers include this in their dishes. For instance, they take it with wanke, beans and rice.

Sedani Rigati

It is a short, slightly curved tube with ridges running along the outside. The word ‘Rigati’ is an Italian word meaning ridged. It is firm and chewy when cooked and it is best eaten with thick tomato sauces, creamy sauce and baked pasta dishes because the ridges help the sauce cling to the pasta. It is cooked in about 10-12minutes.

Farfelle

Farfelle which means ‘butterfly’ in Italian is bow-tie or rather butterfly-shaped pasta with pinched centre. The centre remains firmer while the edges become softer when cooked. It is enjoyed with light tomato sauce, cream sauce and best uses pasta salads, creamy pasta recipes.

Penne

This pasta has short tubes cut diagonally at both ends. The name ‘Penne’ is gotten from an Italian word which means pens. It is best suite with tomato sauces, meat sauces and creamy sauces. It cooks for 10-13 minutes which is firm with a hollow centre that traps sauces.

Shells

This pasta also refered to as conchigile is usually shell-shaped with a hollow centre. Its best sauces are cheese sauce, cream sauce and chunky vegetable sauce. Its curved shape allows sauce hold very well allowing it enjoyable. It cooks for about 9-12 minutes.

Tagliatelle

This pasta is a long, flat ribbon wider than linguine. It is an Italian word which means to cut. It has a thick and slightly porous texture making it excellent for rich sauces. It uses traditional northern dishes and hearty meals. Its best sauces are Bolognese, mushroom cream sauce and rich meat ragu.