Gramigna with sausage from Bologna.
Gramigna with sausage (alla salsiccia)
Despite not being as well-known as other classic pasta dishes from Bologna, gramigna with sausage is a common and popular menu item in Bologna’s homes, restaurants and trattorias. The simplest and most traditional version of this sauce only has three ingredients: sausage, tomatoes, and onion. (go straight to recipe)
Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region in general are famous for the food. The most known and loved pasta dishes from Bologna are, of course, tagliatelle (as opposed to spaghetti) bolognese and lasagne bolognese, both made with fresh egg pasta and everybody’s favourite meat sauce bolognese, versions of which are cooked all over the world. I say versions because they often include ingredients not found in traditional Bolognese, despite being labelled as such.
But I digress! Bolognese sauce is a topic I have written about in another post! However, tagliatelle and lasagne bolognese are not the only typical pasta dishes from this region and city. Far from it!
Only 3 main ingredients!
Despite not being as well-known as other classic pasta dishes from Bologna, gramigna with sausage is a common and popular menu item in Bologna’s homes, restaurants and trattorias. The simplest and most traditional version of this sauce only has three ingredients: sausage, tomatoes, and onion. Having recently made it for the first time, I can safely say that it is absolutely delicious despite its simplicity. In fact, it’s hard to think of another pasta dish which is not only so simple but at the same time hearty and filling, whilst being so easy to make. The use of sausage instead of ground beef certainly adds depth of flavour. I’m sure that once you’ve tried it, it will be a regular addition to your family menu repertoire!
Gramigna are short squiggly hollow tubes of pasta, originally homemade but now mostly made with an extruder. They used to be only eaten as a fresh pasta but, nowadays, they are also available dried, although production is mostly artisan and they’re not so easy to find in shops or supermarkets outside of Italy. However, you can buy Gramigna on Amazon.com and there are also many artisan Italian pasta makers who have online shops and will send even small orders overseas. Like many Italian pasta shapes, gramigna evolved over time, however they aren’t an ancient type of pasta. When extruded, the fresh homemade and dry factory versions look similar, but the homemade pasta tends to look less uniform and actually slightly less squiggly!.
If you want the sauce less simple.
There are other versions of this sausage sauce apart from the simple 3-ingredient one I used in the recipe on the next page. Some people include cream or milk, garlic, rosemary or other herbs and celery or carrots. However, my recipe is for the simplest version. Maybe one of these days I’ll try making it a different way. But then again, maybe not!
If you do try this gramigna with sausage recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Please write a comment here on the blog or post a comment on the Pasta Project Facebook page.
Your feedback means a lot to me!
Buon Appetito!
(see the recipe on the next page. Just scroll down and click 2)
Other sausage pasta recipes on The Pasta Project
- Bigoli with Luganega sausage, recipe from Veneto
- Tagliolini alla Langarola, recipe from The Langhe
- Homemade cavatelli with oyster mushrooms and sausage
- Pasta alla Norcina, recipe from Umbria
- Sicilian broccoli pasta with sausage and chard
Caz says
I have just returned from a short trip to Bologna where we had this dish. I can truly say it the best pasta meal I have ever tasted! I searched for the recipe to make it myself at home and was thrilled to find your post. Grazie mille!!
henry says
while we didn’t have small pasta handy, we made this with PrimoGrano Traghetti and it was simply delicious. we choose this as one of our all time favorites from your recipes. bless you for sharing.
Jacqui says
I’m thrilled you liked this recipe so much Henry! I love it too because it’s simple but very tasty! Unfortunately gramigna pasta isn’t so easy to find outside of Italy but this recipe is great with long pasta like traghetti too!
Tayler Ross says
I love that this requires only 3 main ingredients! This is a meal that my family is sure to love!
Jacqui says
It’s amazing how delicious this recipe is even with only 3 ingredients Tayler! I’m sure your family will devour it!
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
This looks so delicious, I’ve got to make it! Luckily, I’ve found that pasta type at my local mom and pop Italian grocer. To the store I go!
Jacqui says
This is a great recipe Eden. I’m sure you’re going to love it! Perfect that you can find gramigna to make it with!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I love the look of the gramigna — what a fun pasta shape — and the sauce sounds like the ideal, simple, straightforward topping! Sometimes that’s the best!
kim says
This looks so tasty and I know my family will love this dish! Definitely need to try!
Julia says
Simple pasta recipes taste the best and if one of the ingredients is a sausage you can’t go wrong there at all :)!
Salvatore Scotti says
Hi Melanie, is the version with the addition of milk & tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes the original receipt? Thanks a lot. Salvatore
eric b says
Like with any recipe: there are variations. I just watched 2 videos of this recipe and they were NOT the same. But of course: its someones nonnas recipe; so its hard to argue its “original” or not. No doubt your nonna will have your original recipe.
I am making mine with cream and white wine, anis seeds and chili in it, like I saw in yet another video.
Cheers
Eric
Melanie F says
Hi! Where can I find gramigna pasta? I looked on amazon.com and they only have the farro version. Where did you buy yours? I live in the NY/NJ area and it is impossible to find anywhere!
Thanks!
admin says
Hi Melanie, thank for you comment. I of course buy gramigna here in Italy. I have also bought them online in UK from Amazon.co.uk, but you are right they only have a farro version on Amazon.com. What you can use instead are gramigna coquillettes from granoro which are very similar and can be bought in US. I will try to find another source for you after I return from my holiday here in Sicily. All the best! Jacqui.
http://piccolosgastronomia.com/pasta/b-granoro-b/granoro-elbows-gramigna-coquillettes-pasta-49-1lb