When you think of Italian food, the first delicacy that pops up in your mind is mostly pasta. A piping hot bowl of pasta oozing with a lot of cheese is a treat for your taste buds. This makes you wonder who invented the oh-so-delicious pasta dishes. If so, get ready with your red sauce pasta recipe and dive into this fascinating history of pasta.
The Ancient Origin of Pasta
Today, you can order pasta for instant delivery from your nearest grocery store. Pasta, in its ancient origins, was made from millet or wheat dough. The history of pasta’s origin is shrouded in mystery and myth. Here are some historical mentions.
- A popular belief is that pasta originated in China and was brought to Italy by Marco Polo during his travels there in the 13th century. These noodles were made from millet.
- However, written records suggest that pasta existed in Italy long before Marco Polo travelled to China.Â
- The ancient Romans consumed a dish called ‘laganon’, which consisted of layers of dough and sauces and resembled today’s lasagna.
- The most convincing theory is that pasta was introduced by the Arabs who settled in Sicily. This pasta was made from durum wheat dough and sun-dried for a better shelf life.
The sun-dried pasta used by the Arabs in Sicily later became popular because it could be stored for long periods and was used by sailors. Thus, pasta gradually spread across Italy.
The Journey of Pasta in Italy
While we all know pasta dishes like a red sauce pasta recipe or a white sauce pasta recipe, did you know that they are made in a variety of pasta shapes? The initial appearance and taste of pasta were different. However, through cultural integration and modern innovations, pasta has witnessed a long culinary journey.
Although the origin of pasta is debatable, it is undoubtedly a staple of Italian cuisine. The country has made pasta dishes a favourite worldwide, but there are variations in the ways these delicacies are made across the regions of Italy.
With its popularity, pasta began to evolve in shape according to regional preferences. For instance, long and thin pasta varieties like spaghetti and linguine are great for thin sauces, like the red sauce pasta recipe, while shapes like penne and fusilli are best for thicker sauces, like the white sauce recipe.
With the changing preferences and evolution in cooking techniques, pasta has seen a revolution. The taste of pasta dishes has evolved while keeping in mind the nutritional values and flavours that food lovers accept.
The Modern Day Pasta
From its origin till today, pasta has been made in innumerable ways. Changing ingredients and merging with cultures across the globe, pasta dishes like red sauce pasta recipes are made in different ways that can cater to specific taste buds.
Along with the classic ingredients, today’s pasta is made with gluten-free options, nutritional vegetables and even meat to improve its nutritional value.
Conclusion
Now that you know the fascinating history of pasta, head straight to the kitchen for a flavorful red sauce pasta recipe.
If you lack the required ingredients, you can order them from an online grocery store, such as Swiggy Instamart, for instant doorstep delivery.
