Buongiorno a tutti!

Pasta is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a food with a rich and fascinating history that has evolved over centuries.

Contrary to the popular myth that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy from China, historical evidence shows that pasta had already developed in Italy before his time.

Here are 10 fascinating facts about pasta’s rich history that might surprise you:

1. Pasta dates back to Ancient Rome, where a dish called "lagana" (ancestor of lasagna) was made by baking large sheets of dough seasoned with spices.
2. During the Middle Ages, pasta evolved into a variety of shapes, such as short, long, and stuffed, and began being boiled instead of baked.
3. Arabs invented long-lasting dried pasta, enabling them to store it for long desert journeys.
4. Sicily had a thriving pasta industry as early as the 12th century, exporting dried pasta to various regions.
5. Genoese merchants became the main distributors of Sicilian pasta to northern Italy by the 12th century, helping spread its popularity.
6. The fork's early adoption in Italy is thought to be connected to pasta, as it made eating the slippery dish easier.
7. In the 15th century, Martino da Como provided the first recipe for Sicilian macaroni, describing how to make hollow pasta with an iron rod.
8. Until the 18th century, pasta was typically served with cheese and spices rather than tomato sauce, which only became popular later.
9. Pasta was often overcooked in historical recipes, sometimes boiled for up to two hours, a far cry from today’s "al dente" preference.
10. By the 18th century, Italians had earned the nickname "macaroni-eaters," reflecting the growing prominence of pasta in their cuisine.

Recipe Spotlight: ​
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to serve pasta, these Homemade Spaghetti Nests are sure to impress.

The nests are seasoned with a flavorful porcini mushroom mixture and creamy béchamel sauce, then finished with fun and colorful garnishes to create a delicious and visually appealing dish.

It’s perfect for a special occasion or just when you want to try something different.

Alla prossima,

Laura

Your angel in the kitchen

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