Panzani
Panzani Tomacouli
What it is
Tomacouli is a unique pasta shape from Panzani. It is a small, tubular pasta with a curved, slightly flattened body. The name suggests a combination of 'tomato' and 'couli,' hinting at its suitability for sauces. Its shape is designed to capture and hold sauces well, making every bite flavorful. This pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, a common ingredient for high-quality pasta.
How people cook with it
This pasta shape is versatile and works well in many dishes. It is particularly good at absorbing the flavors of sauces.
- Mixed with vegetables
- In baked pasta dishes
- With light cream sauces
- In hearty meat sauces
To cook Tomacouli, 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, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the drained pasta immediately with your chosen sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Serve hot.
How it differs from similar foods
Tomacouli's distinctive shape, with its hollow center and curved body, allows it to hold sauces more effectively than smoother, rounder pasta shapes. This makes it ideal for dishes where sauce adherence is key. Its size is also convenient for eating with a fork.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking for a pasta shape that complements a variety of sauces will appreciate Tomacouli.
How to keep the rest
After opening the package, store any leftover Tomacouli in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from other pantry items. Ensure the container is sealed tightly.