While roses are red, violets are blue, gigli pasta is shaped like a lily, isn’t that new?
Gigli, the Italian term for “lilies,” is a pasta with a flower-like and gentle but sturdy shape, which makes it very distinct. They originated from Campania, Italy, and though its sizes vary on every piece, the fluted structure of this pasta gives the sauce more room to enter, resulting in an excellent sauce-pasta pairing.
In this article, we’ll cover everything there is to know about gigli pasta and provide tasty recipes you can try out yourself. Let’s get started!
Gigli: Origin and Meaning
Here’s a table with essential facts about Gigli:
| Pasta Shape: | Gigli |
| Pasta Type: | Ribbon-shaped Pasta |
| Length: | Varies |
| Width: | Varies |
| Thickness: | Varies |
| Origin: | Campania, Italy |
| Meaning: | Italian term for “Lilies” |
| Synonyms: | Campanelle |
| Similar Shapes: | Fusilli, Cascatelli, Farfalle |
Where Did Gigli Originate?
Gigli pasta came from Tuscany, a region in Central Italy most famed for its olive trees and wheat. This bell-like flower-shaped pasta is intended to be served with a thick sauce, or in a casserole. Most Italian recipes refer to this pasta as “Gigli Toscani.”
Italians in Tuscany serve gigli pasta with traditional regional dishes like with venison ragu. It is also a very well-liked pasta when served with creamy sauces and sauces made with vegetables. The majority of its recipes call for pancetta or speck as well as various leaf vegetables.
What Does Gigli Mean?
The word “gigli” is Italian for “lilies,” which refers to the pasta’s flower-like characteristics and appearance. This pasta is a small, fluted pasta that is rolled in the shape of a cone or flower and usually with ruffled edges.
What Is the Difference Between Gigli and Campanelle?
Simply put, there is no difference between the two pasta varieties. Gigli is just another term for campanelle. Similar to campanelle, gigli pastas are a little bit tighter and more frill than other pastas, which resembles the lilies that they’re named for. This pasta has a distinctive fluted structure that gives the sauce more room to penetrate, resulting in an excellent sauce-pasta pairing.
Traditional Dishes Suitable for Gigli Pasta
Here are some traditional dishes you can make with gigli pasta:
Pasta Tordellata
This traditional Tuscan dish combines Swiss chard, ricotta, and pork ragu in a wonderful way. Instead of the filling being on the interior of the pasta, it is placed on top, along with a meat ragu. This dish will definitely stir your appetite!
Gigli Pasta with Pumpkin and Pancetta
This recipe, which is a play on a traditional Italian dish, is perfect to serve family-style or even when you are hosting guests. Its light but very flavorful taste will make sure to leave everyone satisfied!
Final Thoughts
Gigli pasta, with its strange yet fascinating shape, is one of the most unique types of pasta that you can find. With a wide variety of dishes that you could make with gigli pasta, it is surely one of the most memorable meals that you could make for your next dinner party.