Passatelli: an unusual type of pasta!
Although I have lived in Italy for 18 years, I only discovered passatelli recently. Probably because this pasta is not typical in many parts of Italy. Although you can find it in Marche and Lazio, it's considered to be essentially Romagnolo from Emilia-Romagna.
I came across this cheesy pasta whilst doing research for this blog and my first reaction was that I absolutely had to make it myself! I went out to buy the tool used, which Italians call 'il ferro di passatelli' (passatelli iron). This is actually a handheld press with holes, similar to a spaetzle maker or potato ricer. Passatelli is traditionally served in broth but there are many other recipes for it.
First time round I decided to skip the broth making stage and bake the passatelli (after cooking them in stock) with pine nuts, pancetta and cheese. It was delicious and I fell in love!
Although passatelli is not made with flour, it is still classified as a type of pasta. These soft, normally homemade strands of breadcrumbs, grated Parmigiano cheese and eggs are an ancient tradition. A tradition that was born in the rural low income areas, where leftovers and simple foods like stale bread, cheese and eggs were used often to create tasty dishes.
In the past, passatelli was considered a special dish because the strands were made with white bread; The original recipe called for breadcrumbs and cheese in equal measure. But, in the homes of the wealthy more Parmigiano was used, whilst in the homes of the poor more bread!
How to make passatelli.
Passatelli strands appear to be simple to make because of the few ingredients required. However, a certain amount of skill and practice is needed to get the dough to the right consistency. If the dough isn't right, then the passatelli will fall apart quickly when passed thorough the press and dropped into the broth. Or they won't pass properly through the press.
In order to get a good dough, you have to use normal white bread, well dried and finely grated. And the ingredients must be blended with care, until you get a compact and good textured dough. The dough needs to 'rest' for at least two hours before being pressed through the passatelli 'iron'
I have included a recipe here just for making passatelli. You can choose to cook and serve this pasta in an already made beef, chicken or even fish broth or cook it in stock, using a stock cube, and then serve with other ingredients. Passatelli can also be baked. Whichever way you choose, I'm sure that like me you will fall in love with this delicious and unusual pasta.You can also watch passatelli being made on Pasta Grannies.
If you decide to make passatelli, I'd be so happy to hear how they turn out. Please write a comment here on the blog or on the Pasta Project Facebook page. Your feedback is much appreciated!
Buon appetito!
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Read about other traditional pasta from Emilia-Romagna
Passatelli
Equipment
- Passatelli iron or potato ricer
Ingredients
- 120 g white breadcrumbs. (4.2oz)
- 120 g Parmigiano Reggiano (4.2 oz) grated
- 3 medium eggs
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg or lemon rind
- Prepared broth or stock
Instructions
- Mix the breadcrumbs and Parmigiano cheese together in a bowl.
- Add a pinch of salt
- Add the grated nutmeg or lemon rind (as desired).
- Beat the eggs and add them to the bread and cheese mixture.
- Mix the ingredients together (preferrably with your hands) until the dough becomes quite elastic and compact. If it is too wet add more breadcrumbs. If too dry you can add some of the stock or broth you plan to cook the passatelli in.
- Roll the dough into a large ball, wrap it in clingfilm and leave it to 'rest' at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
- Bring your broth or stock to the boil
- When you are ready to cook the passatelli, remove the clingfilm and place the dough on a floured surface.
- Take large pieces of the dough and press through the passatelli iron. As the passatelli come out of the press you will have to use a knife to remove them.
- You can drop them straight into the boiling broth/stock or onto a previously floured surface and then add them to the broth/stock after they are all made.
- Allow them to cook until they all rise to the surface (approx 5 minutes)
- If you are serving them in broth, serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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If you are interested in learning how to make other homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of my autumn/winter pasta recipes cookbook!?
Mario says
My father was from Fermo in Le Marche and often talked about this dish but my mum from Fiume would not make it because it was too fiddly and it was impossible to get a Fer in Australia in the 1950’s so I never got to taste it until I went to Italy in 2010.
Now, I make it using a mincer with the large hole cutting plate. Works well and tastes wonderful.
Francesca Bernadette Sears says
My mum never made this - she was born in Faenza but with 10 children to feed tagliatelle was the main pasta we grew up with. I first tasted it when I returned to Faenza in March this year and absolutely love it. Now it make it for my children and grandies.
Melissa J says
My great-grandma made this pasta and my grandma used to serve it in holidays. I never knew the proper name for it because it was always pronounced with such a heavy accent and there was no recipe ever written down! So happy to have found this. I haven’t made this yet but the ingredients are exactly how I remember it!
DEbbie says
This PASSATELLI PASTA is going on my list of what I need to try. I am always looking for different things to try and this is right up my ally. I will be serving it in a broth as you did , I can't wait.
FOODHEAL says
I love discovering new recipes and this one is quite unique. I love the way it's simple with only a few ingredients.
Is there any other way to form/shape the pasta, without having to buy the machine? I'd love to share this with a friend of mine.
Melanie Robinot says
Added to my 'must try asap' list as this looks absolutely delicious and so original. I never heard of passatelli and I love discovering new food from other cultures!
Amanda Dixon says
This was so delicious! The passatelli came out so tender, and the dough was super simple to prepare.
Tamara Andersen says
I love hearing a little bit about the history of food, so thanks for that! This passatelli looks rustic and incredibly delicious... I'm looking forward to trying it!
Farrukh Aziz says
I've never actually heard of passatelli! I'm a pasta person, so this is something for me be fascinated about! Looks like something to give a try to!
Kate says
Many thanks for sharing thins noodle recipe. I will practice until I get them right. And I am sure my children will love them. First try on Sunday. I am looking forward to it.
Natalie says
Quite unusual but it sure looks delicious! I think I never tried this type of pasta. But you just convinced me to give it a try. Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe!
Sharon says
This is such a unique and delicious meal. Serve it with chicken stock and you have a hearty dinner.
Gloria says
I am a pasta fanatic. This looks like a fun one to make. I love the shape....looks like I need a new kitchen tool!!
Sabrina Borda says
So very nice. I shall definitely make these Passatelli.
Jacqui says
I'm sure you'll love passatelli as much as we do Sabrina!
Sadoremus says
Simplely outstanding!!!
Very easy to make, used in a soup and as a side dish with white sauce paired with rack of lamb. five star all the way!
BBG says
This was a staple in our house growing up in a family which came from the Marche region. It’s a simple and wonderful recipe and this one is spot on. We use lemon AND nutmeg.
N. Bartels says
Same! We’d all be so excited when Nonnie made passatelli. And yes, lemon and nutmeg. Don’t know what a passatelli iron is but Nonnie always used a hand crank meat grinder with the knife removed to form the passate.
Walter says
Marvelous. Totally unknown to me up to now. Give it a try
Maria casadio says
I love pasta always looking for new recipes!!