Grocery
Bronze Cut Italian Tofette Pasta
What it is
Bronze cut Italian tofette is a type of short pasta with a unique shape. It is made from durum wheat semolina and water, and the dough is pushed through bronze dies during the extrusion process. This gives the pasta a rougher surface texture compared to pasta made with Teflon dies. The tofette shape is small and often comes in various forms, making it versatile for many dishes.
How people cook with it
This pasta is excellent for absorbing sauces and is a staple in many home kitchens.
- Mixed with hearty meat sauces
- Tossed with pesto
- Added to pasta salads
- Baked in casseroles
To cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tofette pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta well, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the drained pasta immediately with your chosen sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Serve hot.
How it differs from similar foods
The key difference lies in the bronze cutting process. This creates a porous, rough surface that clings to sauces better than smoother, Teflon-cut pastas. The tofette shape itself is also distinct, offering a different mouthfeel and sauce-holding capability compared to longer pasta shapes.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a versatile pasta shape that pairs well with a variety of sauces.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused dried tofette pasta in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors from the pantry. Properly stored, it can last for a long time.