De Cecco
De Cecco Orecchiette Pasta
What it is
Orecchiette, meaning 'little ears' in Italian, are a type of pasta traditionally from the Puglia region of Southern Italy. These small, concave shapes are made from durum wheat semolina and water. Their distinctive shape makes them excellent for capturing sauces, holding onto chunky vegetables, and small bits of meat or cheese. De Cecco is a well-regarded brand known for producing high-quality dried pasta with a rough texture that helps sauces adhere well.
How people cook with it
These pasta shapes are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple weeknight meals to more elaborate culinary creations.
- With robust tomato sauces
- In pasta salads
- With broccoli rabe
- As a base for baked dishes
To cook orecchiette, bring a large pot of generously 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, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the drained orecchiette immediately with your chosen sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency. The small, ear-like shape is perfect for scooping up bits of sauce and ingredients.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to smoother, flatter pasta shapes, orecchiette's concave form and slightly rough surface texture are designed to hold onto thicker, chunkier sauces and small ingredients more effectively. This makes them ideal for dishes where the sauce is a prominent component.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a pasta shape that pairs well with hearty sauces and vegetables will appreciate this type of pasta.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused dried orecchiette in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or its original packaging. 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.