That conversation made me wonder why I haven't gone back to pastina?! This time of year is perfect for cozy comfort food and adding a sprinkling of childhood nostalgia to any dish instantly makes it better.
Related: The Italian Way to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich 10x Better
What Is Pastina?
According to Freeman, pastina is both a pasta shape and a dish. "Pastina translates to 'little pasta' and refers to pasta shapes that are very small," he says. "Some brands sell a shape called pastina that usually looks like tiny stars, but other shapes, such as Stelline or Acini de Pepe, can also be considered a type of pastina." These tiny pastas are often cooked in broth to create a soupy dish that is (wait for it) also called pastina.
Related: 101 Classic, Simple and Easy Pasta Recipes That Are Worthy of Dinner Tonight
Why is Pastina Popular Again?
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Danny Freeman (@dannylovespasta)
Danny says that pastina is often referred to as "Italian Penicillin" because "it can be the cure for anything." "If you're feeling sick or cold, or you're just down in the dumps, a bowl of pastina can comfort you and make you feel better," he says, mentioning that pastina was one of his favorite snacks when he was a kid, and especially when he was sick. "I have many memories of coming home after school in the winter and immediately making a bowl of pastina as the perfect afternoon snack, and I've continued to make it for years. Pastina goes back for generations; my mother has fond memories of her grandmother making it when she was a kid. It's amazing how a dish that is so simple can be so meaningful to so many people."
Related: The Italian Way to Make Boxed Cake Mix 10x Better
How Do You Make Pastina?
Creamy PastinaCourtesy of Danny Freeman
His second method involves boiling a few whole carrots, celery stalks, and an onion in chicken broth. Once they're tender, he purees them in a blender and returns them to the soup pot along with some pastina. "This creates a soupier dish, with a rich, flavorful broth," he says.
Courtesy of Danny Freeman
Tips for Making Pastina
Be liberal with your broth. Danny says that if you're making a creamy pastina, cook the pasta in enough broth to fully cover it. "Once the pasta is fully cooked, then add the cheese and egg and stir quickly to create a creamy texture." Get creative! You can also add other ingredients to your pastina if you wish. Danny will sometimes cook pastina with frozen peas or add shredded chicken to mix up the flavors.Related: The Italian Way to Make Salmon 10x Better
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The Comfort Food Italian Families Have Been Making for Generations )
Also on site :