Pasta mollicata facts for kids
Pasta mollicata
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| Course | Primo (pasta course, Italy); main course (elsewhere) |
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| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Southern Italy, Basilicata |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Pasta, onions, bread crumbs |
| Variations | Fresh leeks, chopped nuts, fresh mushrooms |
Pasta mollicata (say it: PAHS-tah moh-lee-KAH-tah) is a yummy pasta dish from Basilicata, a region in Southern Italy. Its name means "pasta with breadcrumbs." This dish is special because it uses simple ingredients that were easy to find. It's often called a "poor dish," but that just means it's made with basic, affordable ingredients, not that it tastes bad! In fact, it's very tasty and popular all over Southern Italy.
How to Make Pasta Mollicata
Making Pasta mollicata is quite simple. Here's how it's usually done:
- First, a chopped onion is gently fried in a pan. People often use extra-virgin olive oil and a little bit of lard (a type of cooking fat) for this.
- Next, a chopped tomato is added to the pan. This mix cooks for a few minutes over high heat.
- Then, stale bread is turned into crumbs and added to the pan. This mixture cooks for about 15 minutes, getting nice and crispy.
- While the sauce is cooking, pasta is boiled in salty water until it's ready.
- Finally, the drained pasta is added to the pan with the sauce. A bit of cacioricotta cheese (a type of Italian cheese) is stirred in. The dish is then topped with more fresh cacioricotta, a drizzle of olive oil, and sometimes a pinch of hot pepper for a little kick!
Different Ways to Enjoy It
Like many traditional dishes, Pasta mollicata has different versions, especially depending on the season.
- Sometimes, instead of onions, people use fresh leeks. Leeks are like a milder onion.
- You might also find versions where chopped nuts are added. This gives the dish a nice crunch.
- Fresh mushrooms are another popular addition, giving the pasta an earthy flavor.
These changes show how people used whatever fresh ingredients were available to make this simple, delicious meal even better!
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Pasta mollicata Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.