Sagne with ricotta is a traditional dish that originates from Abruzzo, a region located in central Italy. This dish is a simple yet delicious combination of pasta and cheese, which has been a staple of Abruzzese cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that not only tastes great but has a fascinating history and cultural connection with the region.
The dish consists of homemade pasta known as sagne or tagliatelle, which are long and flat ribbons of dough made from flour and water. The pasta is then cooked until al dente, and traditionally served with ricotta cheese, a creamy, fresh cheese made from sheep’s milk or cow’s milk.
The ricotta used in this dish is often made using traditional methods, where the cheese is left to drain overnight in a cloth-lined basket. This process gives it a slightly grainy texture and a subtle, sweet taste that complements the pasta perfectly.
Sagne with ricotta is a dish that is closely tied to the culture and history of Abruzzo. In the past, it was a meal that was typically enjoyed by shepherds, who would make the pasta and cheese themselves from the milk of their sheep. Today, it is a dish that is still commonly eaten by locals, particularly during special occasions and festivals.
One of the most important aspects of this dish is the pasta itself. Sagne is a type of pasta that is unique to Abruzzo and is made using a special technique. The pasta dough is rolled out into thin sheets and then cut into long, irregular ribbons. This gives the pasta a rustic, handmade appearance that is celebrated by locals.
The pasta is then cooked in salted water until it is al dente, which means it still has a slight bite to it. Once cooked, it is traditionally served with homemade tomato sauce or a simple combination of olive oil, garlic, and chilli flakes. The ricotta is then added on top of the pasta and mixed in with the sauce.
Sagne with ricotta is a dish that is loved by locals and visitors alike, and it has even gained recognition beyond Abruzzo. In 2017, the dish was featured on MasterChef Italia, a popular cooking competition, where it was described as a “simple yet delicious” dish that represented the region’s cuisine perfectly.
In conclusion, sagne with ricotta is a traditional dish from Abruzzo that is both delicious and culturally significant. It is a dish that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the region and has a fascinating history that is tied to the shepherds and farmers who have lived there for centuries. If you ever have the chance to visit Abruzzo, be sure to try this dish and experience the unique flavors and textures that make it so special.