Grocery
Ditali Rigati Pasta
What it is
Ditali rigati are small, thimble-shaped pasta tubes with ridges on the outside. The name 'ditali' means 'thimbles' in Italian, and 'rigati' refers to the ridges. These short, sturdy pieces hold their shape well during cooking and are designed to capture sauces and small ingredients. They are a versatile pasta shape, suitable for a variety of dishes.
How people cook with it
This pasta shape is excellent for hearty soups and pasta salads. Its small size makes it easy to eat with a spoon.
- Hearty soups
- Pasta salads
- Baked pasta dishes
- Minestrone
To cook ditali rigati, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 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 immediately with your desired sauce, or add to soups and salads. The ridges help the pasta cling to broths and chunky ingredients.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to smooth pasta shapes like ditalini, the ridges on ditali rigati provide more surface area for sauces to adhere to. This makes them particularly good for thicker, heartier sauces or when mixed with small vegetables and beans in soups.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a robust pasta shape that holds up well in various preparations will appreciate ditali rigati.
How to keep the rest
Store any leftover uncooked ditali rigati in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Ensure it is sealed to prevent moisture absorption and keep it away from direct sunlight. This will maintain its freshness and texture for future use.