Spaghetti alla chitarra

Spaghetti alla chitarra is a prime example of the diversity of Italian cuisine and offers an interesting alternative to traditional spaghetti. It is particularly common in the Abruzzo region, where it originated. The name ‘chitarra’ comes from a special tool used to make the pasta. A ‘chitarra’ is a wooden frame with parallel steel wires, reminiscent of a guitar. The dough is placed over the wires and rolled over with a rolling pin to cut the pasta into its characteristic square shape.

Spaghetti alla chitarra have a unique shape that sets them apart from other types of pasta. Instead of the round or oval shape of traditional spaghetti, they are square with rounded corners. They have a slightly more rustic texture and a firmer bite than ordinary spaghetti. The square Chitarra Spaghetti are also slightly wider than traditional spaghetti.
The length of spaghetti alla chitarra can vary, but they are usually cut to roughly the length of a plate. The thickness of the pasta is also slightly greater than that of traditional spaghetti. This gives them a more robust texture and a firmer bite.

Spaghetti alla chitarra is made in a special way to achieve its unique shape. Here is a general guide to making spaghetti alla chitarra:

1. Prepare the ingredients: The basic ingredients for the pasta are durum wheat semolina and water. These are mixed together to form a firm dough. Depending on the recipe, eggs may also be added to bind the dough and add extra flavour.

2. Roll out the dough: The dough is rolled out thinly, either with a rolling pin or a pasta machine. It should be about 2–3 mm thick.

3. Prepare the pasta cutter: A special ‘chitarra’ is required to cut the pasta into the desired shape. The ‘chitarra’ is a wooden frame with parallel steel wires. The wires are spaced approximately 3–5 mm apart.

4. Cutting the dough: The rolled-out dough is placed over the strings of the ‘chitarra’. Using a rolling pin, the dough is rolled over the strings so that it is pressed through them and cut into a square shape. This process produces the wide, square spaghetti.

5. Drying the pasta: The cut spaghetti alla chitarra is carefully removed from the ‘chitarra’ and laid out to dry. Depending on the recipe and desired texture, it can either be cooked immediately or left to dry completely before cooking.

6. Cooking: The pasta is cooked al dente in plenty of boiling salted water. The exact cooking time varies depending on the thickness and dryness of the pasta, so it is important to monitor the cooking process.

Once cooked, the spaghetti alla chitarra can be served with the desired sauce and accompaniments.

It is important to note that the exact method of preparation may vary depending on the recipe, region and personal preference. However, these instructions provide a basic idea of how spaghetti alla chitarra is made.

Traditionally, spaghetti alla chitarra is served with hearty sauces. In Italian cuisine, it is often paired with rich meat sauces or ragùs. These sauces often consist of braised meat such as beef, pork or lamb, prepared with tomatoes, vegetables, herbs and spices. The thicker, heartier spaghetti alla chitarra holds the savoury sauce well and offers a wonderful bite.

Furthermore, spaghetti alla chitarra also goes well with other sauces. For example, they are sometimes served with a classic tomato sauce made with garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs. They can also be combined with seafood sauces containing shellfish such as mussels, prawns or squid.

The traditional pairing of spaghetti alla chitarra with hearty sauces reflects the character and flavours of Italian cuisine. The pasta serves as a base to absorb the rich and flavourful sauces, creating a balanced and delicious dish.

Discover the authentic taste of Italy with Spaghetti alla Chitarra! The Spaghetti alla Chitarra from De Luca is a delicious pasta speciality that transports you to the traditional cuisine of the Abruzzo region.
As a genuine pasta manufacturer from Abruzzo, De Luca offers very high-quality Spaghetti alla Chitarra. De Luca is renowned for its traditional production methods and the use of high-quality ingredients to ensure authentic flavour and quality.