Grocery
Spelt Rigatini Pasta
What it is
Spelt rigatini is a type of pasta made from spelt flour. Spelt is an ancient grain that has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. This pasta shape, rigatini, features short, ribbed tubes. The ridges are designed to hold sauces well. It is a good alternative for those seeking different grain options in their diet. The pasta is dried and packaged for convenience.
How people cook with it
This pasta shape is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sauces. It can be a base for many different meals.
- With hearty meat sauces
- In baked pasta dishes
- Tossed with pesto
- As a side dish
To cook spelt rigatini, 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 thoroughly. It is now ready to be combined with your chosen sauce or incorporated into a recipe. Avoid rinsing the pasta after draining, as this can remove the starch that helps sauces adhere.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to pasta made from durum wheat, spelt rigatini offers a distinct nutty flavor profile and a slightly firmer texture. The spelt grain itself is different from common wheat, providing a unique culinary experience. The rigatini shape, with its ridges, is designed for sauce adherence, a characteristic shared with other rigati pasta shapes.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for pasta made from an ancient grain will find this appealing.
How to keep the rest
Store any leftover uncooked spelt rigatini in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors. Properly stored, it can last for a long time.