Latest news with #CacioePepe
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
British Pasta Recipe Sparks Wave of Outrage in Italy
The British Broadcasting Corporation, or BBC, publishes recipes from around the world in the Food category on its website, including numerous pasta dishes from Italy. However, a recently published recipe for a traditional Roman pasta dish has sparked outrage among Italian restaurateurs. TRAVELBOOK reveals what it's all about. When it comes to their original recipes, Italians are famously uncompromising. Recently, an Australian restaurant chain caused a social media storm with its unconventional pizza creation featuring ham and oranges (TRAVELBOOK reported). And it's not uncommon for Italian restaurateurs to charge a penalty fee to guests who order a Hawaiian pizza. In the current case, it's a recipe for the traditional Roman pasta dish Cacio e Pepe, published by the BBC, that has drawn the ire of Italians. According to the Italian daily newspaper 'Il Messaggero,' the British are committing a 'mortal sin' in the eyes of Roman chefs by listing butter and Parmesan as basic ingredients. 'We Are Stunned' 'We are stunned when we read this recipe on the BBC website,' the newspaper quotes Claudio Pica, president of the Roman restaurant association Fiepet Confesercenti. 'We regret having to correct the venerable British medium, but the original and authentic recipe for Cacio e Pepe does not include Parmesan or butter. The ingredients are not four, but three: pasta, pepper, and Pecorino.' What particularly bothers him is the fact that the BBC presents the recipe as the original recipe—and not as a possible variation. 'We have asked the BBC website to correct the recipe and informed the British Embassy in Rome.' Another Cacio e Pepe Recipe Causes New Stir In the meantime, the BBC has indeed slightly modified the recipe and now lists Pecorino instead of Parmesan in the ingredients. However, butter is still listed as a basic ingredient. And now another recipe for Cacio e Pepe, also published on the BBC website, is causing new controversy. This one even recommends adding cream to make the sauce 'creamier.' 'The BBC even recommends Cacio e Pepe with cream—an affront to all Roman restaurateurs!' exclaims Claudio Pica in another report by 'Il Messaggero.' He then addresses King Charles II: 'Come to Rome—I invite you and will serve you a Cacio e Pepe according to all the rules of art and tradition.' Whether the King of England will accept this invitation is questionable. In any case, it remains to be seen whether the pasta dispute between London and Rome will go another round. The post British Pasta Recipe Sparks Wave of Outrage in Italy appeared first on TRAVELBOOK.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Chef says there's 'secret code' that explains why certain pastas have holes in them
Many of us love tucking into a bowl of pasta for lunch or dinner, but have you ever been confused about which shape is best to use? A chef explains the secrets behind each pasta Diving into a scrumptious bowl of pasta is the ultimate comfort when you're famished and craving something hearty. It's an affordable and tasty dish that also happens to be perfect for leftovers. While classics like Bolognese and carbonara are go-to favourites, pasta's versatility means you can pair it with pretty much anything. Yet, faced with supermarket aisles brimming with a dizzying array of pasta shapes, making a choice can be overwhelming. Some may habitually reach for the same pasta shape, but a culinary expert has shed light on why there's such a vast selection. To the surprise of many, each pasta shape serves a distinct purpose. New Zealand-born chef Andy, who goes by Andy Cooks on social media and has honed his skills in some of the finest eateries globally, including those in London, recently imparted his wisdom about pasta. Andy revealed: "Have you ever wondered why there are so many pasta shapes? Well, it's not random. The Italians have basically invented a secret code where every shape is matched to a specific sauce." Let's delve into the pasta shapes you ought to know.... Thin and long pasta Andy advises that spaghetti and angel hair pasta are ideally suited to lighter sauces. They blend seamlessly with combinations like garlic and olive oil or lemon and butter sauce. "Or even Cacio e Pepe," Andy added. The seasoned chef pointed out that these sauces cling to the pasta strands uniformly. He observed: "If you have a heavy meat sauce on a pasta like this, you're going to watch all that meat just fall straight off." Flat and wide pasta This pasta category includes varieties such as fettucine, pappardelle, and tagliatelle. Andy suggests that these pasta shapes are perfectly suited for meaty sauces, creamy concoctions, and pestos. He clarified: "All that extra surface area grips all the flavour. And generally speaking, the heavier the sauce, the wider the noodle." Twisted and tubular pasta Consider pasta forms like fusilli, penne, and rigatoni. The latter two boast a convenient hole, ideal for trapping extra flavour. Andy remarked: "Now, these pastas, they're sauce magnets. The twists are great with the lighter sauces, and these tubes - they love the thick stuff." Final thoughts Matching the pasta shape with the appropriate sauce can truly elevate your culinary creations. Andy concluded: "Next time you're in the shop and you need to buy some pasta, think about what sauce you're having with it and what pasta you should match." The guidance was met with enthusiasm in the comments section, where people shared their reactions. One individual commented: "This genuinely changes my life as somebody beginning their cooking journey." Another stated: "I love pasta, and this has encouraged me to explore more from spaghetti."
Axios
5 days ago
- Business
- Axios
"Chopped" chef opens pasta stall in Charlotte's Optimist Hall
A new Italian food stall called ESO Artisanal Pasta will open at Optimist Hall Friday, Aug. 8. Why it matters: Charlotte native AJ Sankofa and his wife, Kristina Gambarian, are bringing their pandemic-born pasta business — and their national TV cooking cred — back to Sankofa's hometown. Context: The couple started ESO as a delivery business during the pandemic. Their handmade pasta and sauces got so popular that they were able to open a storefront in New Jersey in 2021. Sankofa, who grew up in Charlotte, has also appeared on Food Network's "Chopped" and "The Great Food Truck Race." In 2023, they closed their New Jersey storefront to open a fast-casual concept inside Optimist Hall. What they're saying:"Opening a spot where we could serve authentic Italian food has always been the dream," says Gambarian. What to expect: ESO will serve a concise menu of pasta dishes and sides, like fried risotto balls, Italian meatballs and Sicilian fried chicken. All of the cheeses, meats, flour, and even the salt used in their dishes are imported from Italy. The stall also has a Chef's Counter for reservation-only tasting menus. Those are expected to launch in the next six to eight months, says Gambarian. There's also a "fish bowl" window, where passersby and diners alike can watch the kitchen make pastas, desserts and shred huge blocks of cheese. Pastas come in two sizes: small ($9) and large ($15). We tried sample portions of ESO's menu at a media preview ahead of its Friday opening. Here are several of the dishes to expect. An assortment of Italian meats and cheeses The spread won't be on the regular menu, says Sankofa, but will be more of a "secret menu" option. We tried various meats and cheeses, including a 36-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, speck (a smoked Italian ham) and taralli, traditional Italian snack crackers. Paccheri Pomodoro The paccheri pasta sauce is called pomodoro classico. It's made with 12 onions, five pounds of tomato, fresh basil, garlic confit and finished with olive oil. Cacio e Pepe with 100 cracks of black pepper It's your classic Cacio e Pepe, made with pecorino, black pepper, pasta water and a little butter for creaminess. Gambarian says 100 cracks of black pepper is added to every batch. Lumache al ragù (Chef AJ's favorite) This hearty pasta dish is filled with various Italian meats, including beef shoulder, pork shoulder, prosciutto and pancetta. A non-alcoholic Aperol spritz Other drink choices include a range of Italian sodas and prosecco. Stop by: Optimist Hall is at 1115 N. Brevard St. Find ESO Artisanal Pasta in the old Collier Candy Co. spot, between Schreiber's on Rye and Zukku Sushi.
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The real reason pasta comes in so many shapes: Chef explains the perfect sauce pairings
Pasta isn't just pasta: it's a whole world of shapes, vibes, and sauce-holding magic. It is pure comfort food, simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or going full Italian grandma on a Sunday, pasta's always got your back. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It all starts with flour, water (and sometimes eggs), and suddenly you've got hundreds of possibilities. You can toss it in tomato sauce, drown it in creamy Alfredo, or just keep it chill with olive oil and garlic. The best part? It's a total crowd-pleaser. Cheap, filling, and ridiculously customizable—pasta's the real MVP in every kitchen. But have you ever wondered why there are so many pasta shapes? Well, if you have then Chef Andy Hearnden has the right answer for you. "Wondered why are there so many pasta shapes? Well it is not random. The Italians have basically invented a secret code where every shape is matched to a specific sauce," explains the New Zealand born chef, YouTuber, and cookbook author. "Thin and long pastas like spaghetti angel hair. These thin pastas love light sauces like garlic and olive oil or lemon and butter sauce or Cacio e Pepe. Why? The sauce coats the strand evenly and a heavy meat sauce on a pasta like this and you are going to watch all that meat just fall straight off," he says about spaghetti. "Flat and wide pastas, fettuccine, pappardelle, tagliatelle, built for meat sauces, cream, sauces and pestos, all that extra surface area grips all the flavour," he says. "And general speaking the heavier the sauce the wider the noodle." He goes on to explain about other types of pasta. "Now let's talk about the twisted and tubular pasta. Talking about pastas like fusilli, penne and rigatoni. Now these pastas, these are sauce magnets. The twists are great with the thick stuff," he explains. "So, next time when you need to buy some pasta think about what sauce you are having with it and what pasta you should match," he concludes. Basically, there's a pasta shape for every sauce, mood, and craving. Watch the
Buzz Feed
28-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
We're Halfway Through 2025 And These Are The 30 Most Unique Home Items I've Seen So Far
A set of large ceramic cabbage bowls, because I think we can all agree that food tastes better when it's coming out of something this dang adorable. Whether you're serving a classic chicken Caesar during girls' night or having some leftover Cacio e Pepe on your lonesome, these microwave-, dishwasher-, AND freezer-safe (!!) dishes will make dining at home your only preference. Plus, the various sizes will make it 10 times easier to stack and stash in the cupboard! A mid-century style throw blanket you'd have zero shame in using as decor only. Luckily, this colorful gem is made with 100% woven cotton and is nice 'n' cozy too, so you'll run to grab it when the weather gets chilly. A set of tortoiseshell wineglasses so gorgeous, they'll make you want to invite people over to your humble abode just to show them off — and that's saying A LOT. These stemless glasses are handblown and made of 100% recycled glass, too! My advice? Grab the decanter too to complete the set. And a set of gorgeous, stunning, spectacular iridescent martini glasses (...did I say gorgeous already?) for when the pre-dinner yapping turns into cocktail hour. They've got such a unique irregular shape, and the gold rim makes them feel even more ~luxe~. Once your guests see these, they'll be upset you waited so long to pull 'em out! A stunning sun shower curtain that'll work with the natural light coming into the room in the *best* way. This gem is made with heavy-duty, non-chlorinated EVA vinyl (which'll last way longer than typical plastic liners), has 100% brass grommets, and comes in tons of colors that are fully transparent. Long story short — it's truly a worthy decor investment. A sophisticated pleated statement lamp with a drool-worthy wiggly base that'll have the compliments coming in at quick speed. IMO, this is the definition of a hidden gem! A gorgeous checkered cutting board that isn't just a looker. It features deep grooves so that juice doesn't overflow onto your counters and end grain to "heal" cuts from knives. Don't you just love it when decor can be practical too? A shabby chic ruched comforter set complete with two matching pillowcases — each made of ultra-soft and fluffy material and giving a luxurious look you wouldn't expect to come from Amazon. A reviewer-beloved sparkling crystal suncatcher that will — not to be dramatic — COMPLETELY and TOTALLY transform ANY room you hang it in! Want rainbows in the kitchen? Done. Want a little color in your bathroom? Hang it up! This decor is just a sea of compliments waiting to happen. Just wait 'til that sun hits! Some handmade pasta knobs which would, yes, absolutely make sense for your kitchen, but how ~unique~ would they look on your bedside nightstand or on your bathroom cabinets? Taking your love of pasta seriously is nothing to be ashamed about! And some fruit and veggie-shaped candles while you're at it! These cuties (one literally looks like a Cutie mandarin btw) are scentless and are the perfect mood-setter while you're preparing dinner or chatting over dessert at the dining table. They look *super* realistic too, so be sure they don't become part of the meal by accident. You've been warned! A freakin' shower lamp — a splash-proof, cordless, and rechargeable lamp you can leave in your bathroom for the perfect ambience during your AM showers (because who wants that big ugly light on that early in the morning), PM showers for the most relaxing wind down ever, and all of those long "everything" showers in between. Lamp: ON. Worries: GONE! A stunning Bloomhouse dinnerware set that's microwave- and dishwasher-safe. The set — which features deep pasta bowls, dinner plates, and more — comes in moody earth tones that'll immediately level up both your kitchen and your dinner table. A set of 3D-printed venus flytrap bag clips to help keep your chips, snacks, and other bagged goodies fresh in the most adorable way. It's perfect for plant lovers, folks with a black thumb (this one won't ever die 😅), or anyone who just loves having quirky things all around their home. An ultra comfortable 100% natural wool Moroccan pouf that can be stuffed to your preference, making it ideal to be used as an ottoman, a floor pillow, or even as a stylish dog bed! It's handmade and comes in *tons* of stunning colors and patterns that'll add vibrancy to your space. A nostalgic CD mirror simply because it reminds me of the good ole days of burning CDs, making mix CDs, and the pressure of curating a playlist you couldn't undo once it was done. If you're not into having the same Pinterest-inspired decor as everyone else, you need this in your home asap. Some *very* realistic peel-and-stick subway tile to revamp your kitchen or bathroom to compliment-earning, HGTV-worthy status. Trust me, it's much easier, cheaper, and faster than re-tiling one by one (hard pass). With this, simply cut the sheet to fit your space, stick it onto the cleaned wall, and you're done! A trivet tree — a genius 3-in-1 home essential set that works as hot dish trivets, beverage coasters, *and* cute decor. Leave this in the center of your dining table so you can easily place your hot-out-the-oven casserole on top... and pass one to the family member who's about to place their hot tea mug on your antique table. 😩 A MoMA-exclusive coffee maker for the maximalists who want fun and color in every aspect of their home. This gorgina appliance — did you know there could ever be such a thing!? — can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance, has an auto shutoff feature (no burnt coffee over here!), and can brew 12 cups at once. Did I mention how immaculate this thing looks? Because just LOOK at it! OR a gorgeous pour-over coffee maker set complete with a ribbed coffee dripper, a metal drip stand, and a heat-resistant coffee server. This gem is perfect for any coffee lover who HATES anything big and bulky in their kitchen (...because aesthetic, hello)! You'll have a delicious cup of joe and a new piece of home decor — the best of both worlds! A Justina Blakeney x Ruggable tufted rug that may look like a typical rug from afar, but up close, the details are pretty impeccable. The leopards, the flowers, and print blend together beautifully thanks to the vibey but neutral earth tones. Tones that I'm sure would go with your current decor, might I add! OH, and this rug is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and MACHINE-WASHABLE! A sleek and slender olive oil dispenser set because it won't take up as much space as those big, bulky bottles oil usually comes in. These hidden gems also come with 37 (!!) labels for things like avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, French vanilla syrup, and much more — because, yes, the dispensers work perfectly for those items, too! A funky elevated dog bed with a super unique wavy leg that'll keep your pup up high and off the scorching hot ground. It'll be an exuberant touch to your home decor that can be used both in- and outdoors, while still being a comfortable spot for your furry bestie to lounge. Or a ~handsy~ cat bed if you're tired of hiding your pet furniture when guests come over. This cutie is made of cozy, plush material that's perfect for cuddling alone... because as a cat owner, I know how cats are. This bed is deep, supportive, and cushioned so perfectly that it'll feel like a warm hug to them and the most playful and unique decor to you. Apologies in advance if they start to prefer it over your lap. 😭 A checkerboard side table — it features a removable top that provides storage for the included checker pieces, and of course, can be used for other household knick-knacks like remotes, magazines, and other games. The top is reversible, too! So you decide when it's game time and when you simply need a solid surface for your iced tea. Fun AND function? We love to see it! A small cowboy boot vase for the perfect finishing touch to your bookshelf, coffee table, or vanity. Whether you use it strictly for decor purposes or to hold your eating utensils in the kitchen — or toss a couple of makeup brushes in it every now and then — there's no doubt it'll be an instant conversation starter. A fairy-esque canopy headboard made of breezy, lightweight cotton that'll transform your room into a haven you'll never want to leave. I'm talking "work meetings will be taken from bed until further notice" kind of haven. It'll add that *something* you didn't know your room was missing! A renter-friendly Poplight that requires no tools, wiring doodads, or electrical knowledge — simply *pop* it on your wall with adhesive tape and you're all set! This app-controlled lamp is dimmable, rechargeable, can be programmed to turn on/off at certain times, and even has a built-in level to make things as easy as possible. On top of it all, IT'S SO CUTE!! Self-proclaimed "chronic redecorators" love it, too. A two-slice slim toaster because I've honestly never seen anything like it! For one, it can fit in the tiny crawl spaces landlords like to call a kitchen... they're also great if you've already got several appliances on your countertop and have very little space left for anything else. This toaster features a crumb tray and one looong slot that can either fit two standard-size slices or one of those long pieces of sourdough that we all love. It's a win/win! And lastly, a shelf-extending windowsill clamp tray for plants so that you don't need any more space-claiming plant stands just to fuel your love of greenery. Attach it to a bookshelf, a sturdy standalone wall shelf, or (of course) a windowsill that's not quite wide enough to fit your favorite monstera. I can imagine it in your kitchen window already.
