Grocery
Gemelli Enriched Macaroni Product
What it is
This is a type of pasta made from durum wheat semolina and enriched with certain nutrients. Gemelli means 'twins' in Italian, referring to its distinctive shape where two strands are twisted together. This shape is excellent at holding onto sauces.
How people cook with it
Gemelli pasta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Its unique shape makes it a fun and appealing choice for many meals.
- Tossed with pesto sauce
- Added to pasta salads
- Served with a hearty meat sauce
- Baked into casseroles
To cook gemelli, 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 favorite sauce, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. It is best served hot.
How it differs from similar foods
Gemelli's twisted shape is its most distinguishing feature compared to other pasta shapes like penne or spaghetti. This twist allows it to capture and hold onto lighter sauces and smaller ingredients more effectively. The texture can also feel slightly different in the mouth due to the way the strands interlock.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a visually interesting pasta shape that pairs well with many sauces will enjoy gemelli.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused, uncooked gemelli in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for a long time. Once cooked, leftovers should be refrigerated promptly and consumed within a few days.