Elbow pastas have become a staple of homemade meals throughout the years. From rigatoni to cannelloni to ziti, all of these pastas have been used in the household every once in a while, but what about chifferi pasta?
Chifferi, whose name comes from the German word “Kipfel,” is a tube-shaped pasta that originated from Northern and Central Italy. Its individual length is about 16 cm, while its width is around 6 cm. Made with durum-wheat flour and water in the shape of a small, curved tube, this pasta is sure to satisfy your pasta cravings for the day.
In this article, we’ll cover everything there is to know about chifferi pasta and provide tasty recipes you can try out yourself. Let’s get started!
Chifferi: Origin and Meaning
Here’s a table with essential facts about Chifferi:
| Pasta Shape: | Chifferi |
| Pasta Type: | Tube-shaped Pasta |
| Length: | Around 16 cm |
| Width: | Around 6 cm |
| Thickness: | Varies |
| Origin: | Northern and Central Italy |
| Meaning: | Comes from the German word “Kipfel,” an Austrian cake in the same shape. |
| Synonyms: | Chifferini, cirillini, chiocciole, lumachine, lumachette |
| Similar Shapes: | Macaroni, Lumache |
Where Did Chifferi Originate?
The Chifferi pasta originated from Northern and Central Italy. Since then, Italians have made soups and other dishes with this pasta. The qualities of this pasta are similar to those of macaroni, however Chifferi pastas have ridges on the outside.
Due to its structure, this short, chunky tubular variety of Italian pasta can also be an excellent option for pasta salads and soups. They are renowned for going well with cheese-based sauces, light, basic sauces, or tomato-based sauces.
What Does Chifferi Mean?
The word “chifferi” is derived from the German word “kipfel,” which refers to an almond crescent cookie with a distinctive, bent tubular shape similar to that of a chifferi pasta. The cookie was invented by a baker in Vienna at the end of the 1600s to commemorate the city’s freedom from the Turks.
What Is the Difference Between Chifferi and Macaroni?
Chifferi pasta and macaroni pasta have many similarities when compared side by side, but there is one key difference between the two: chifferi pasta has ridges surrounding its exterior. In contrast, macaroni pasta is smooth and do not have ridges.
Both of these pastas have a tubular shape and can be used interchangeably. They can be included in soup-based dishes or even classic Mac n’ Cheese. The two are not much different and are made from the same flour, but preferences may still differ. If you like a thicker texture for your pasta, you should choose Chifferi.
Traditional Dishes Suitable for Chifferi Pasta
Here are some traditional dishes you can make with chifferi pasta:
Chifferi Elbow Pasta with Cannellini Beans and Tuna
Pasta, beans, and tuna—the classic combination for a warm dish on a cold day. Although this phenomenal recipe is not something you often see in restaurants, it is the ideal weekday meal.
Chifferi Arabiatta with Pasta Sauce
This delicious recipe with Chifferi Rigati pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, black pepper, chili flakes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a tomato & basil sauce, served with a side of green salad will be your gue