Orecchiette is one of the less popular pasta shapes, but since I've read Jamie Oliver's book Jamie's Italy and saw the Italian mamas and their children sitting around a table making these interesting pasta shapes, I've been keen to make it myself. In Italian orrechio means "ear" so Orecchiette in essence means "little ears".
It is made with a basic pasta dough and all it requires is just patience and a little bit of skill and before you know it you can be turning out beautiful orecchiette just like a real Italina mama. If all this is too much work for you, simply go to you nearest Italian deli or market and buy a different pasta shape this time. Orecchiette is ideal for just about any kind of sauce. The "little scoops" are just perfect for a ragu, Napoletana or even a cream based sauce, just make sure you make ample sauce, those "little ears" can absorb quite a lot of sauce. I chose a Napoletana sauce, because it is an healthier option and we have an abundance of tomatoes at the moment. You can find the recipes for my Napoletana sauce here and here.(this one is for large quantities)
22 comments:
These "little ears" are simply delicious. I would love to be able to sit at a table with Italian mamas and churn them out for a huge family feast!!!!
val- oh, so would I!!
You're right! I think kids would love this pasta shape! I must use it next time I make pasta.
Jamie's Italy is easily my favourite cookbook in my collection. Molto piacevole!
something's dishy - it is also one of the more substantial pasta shapes....quite filling!!
koek - Absolutely!
this is the second time I enountered this little ears in my bloghopping. I'm gonna check if we have that here.
I was just telling the husband this morning how lucky we are to live in an area where we have so many specialty shops - like an Italian grocer with fresh pasta of all shapes and sizes.
peachkins - I hope you find it soon
that girl- count your blessings my friend!
Orecchiette is one of my favorite pastas but I have never made it on my own. Thanks for the great recipe to try.
Beautiful. I adore Jamie Oliver's Italian book. I love the photographs, the recipes, and his stories.
You have pretty darn good taste over here!
Laura
Nothing better than a simple plate of pasta. Looks good!
We make something similar to this pasta in Azerbaijan, but ours looks more like a boat than ear:) Your pasta looks delicious!
What a lovely pasta dish. Jamie Oliver's recipes are so interesting. He's become very popular in the US.
Sam
Just fabulous Nina...Love Orecchiette. Thanx for the recipe. Shall give it a try soonest. xxx
Orecchiette is my favorite pasta shape! It's just so cute and those little divots are perfect for clinging to sauce. Looks fantastic!
I would love to share a meal with you anytime. Delicious looking pictures also.
Delicious little ear pasta.
pam - it is a wonderful thing to do with a good friend,while you chat and have many cups of tea!!
cooking photographer - thanks, Laura for visiting!! I hope to see you here again!!!
tobias cooks - as Jamie says, it is amazing how three simple ingredients like eggs, flour and water can make such delightful plates of food!!
farida - thank you!
my carolina kitchen - I think he is famous around the world, he is unpretentious and has made good food popular!!
browniegirl - maybe together while we plan???
elly - totally agree!!
helene - hop on the next plane and you wish will be my command!!!
elra - thanks Elra, I haven't seen recipes from you in a while. You're ok???
OMG this is so gorgeous!! And that sauce it looks absolutely delicious!!
Lovely photos Nina. I make an orecchiette with a lemon cream sauce, and I haven't made it in quite a while, thanks for the reminder.
LL
Nina,
I love your first photo where the Orecchiette were in the making.. beautiful!!! I have never had Orecchiette before, I am sure this is another way of enjoying pasta.. :)
Mmmm, I love these "little ears"! I find they are one of the best pasta shapes for getting the sauce to stick to the pasta :)
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