PRESENZA - Rediscovering the joy of eating
The Joy of Pasta Making
The Joy of
Pasta-Making

How Diversity Enhances Flavour Photo: Harry Foster, CMC CD2004-0445 D2004-6160

How Diversity Enhances Flavour

Italian immigrants brought many elements of their cuisine to North America. Among them, the one that has known the greatest success is pasta.

Beneath the apparent simplicity of this product lies immense variety, reflecting the diversity of local Italian traditions. Generally made from wheat flour, salt and water, with or without eggs, pasta can be fresh or dried, long or short, wide or narrow, smooth or ridged. Some types have holes, while others are stuffed. The tools used to make pasta at home also vary according to the method employed.

But make no mistake, the variety of techniques and hundreds of shapes are not just a matter of aesthetics. Each helps enhance a specific flavour, when combined with the right sauce.

Ravioli-rolling pin Photo: Steven Darby, CMC CD2004-0245 D2004-6035
Ravioli-rolling pin
Italy
2002
Wood
Canadian Museum of Civilization

Chitarra - guitar-like pasta maker Photo: Steven Darby, CMC CD2004-0245 D2004-6034
Chitarra - guitar-like pasta maker
Abruzzi region, Italy
c. 1960
Used in Canada
Wood, metal
Lent by Vilma Ricci
Pasta-drying screens Photo: Steven Darby, CMC CD2004-0245 D2004-6027
Pasta-drying screens
Made by Giorgio Bortot
Canada
2002
Wood, plastic, metal

Giorgio Bortot invented these pasta-drying screens here in Canada. The Italian model on which they are based has a fixed frame that makes it difficult to change the screen. Mr. Bortot designed these with a detachable frame, so that the screen can be changed quickly and easily. Today, they are used in Ottawa, in shops that sell fresh pasta.