Lumaconi: All about the pasta variety
Shell-shaped pasta has become increasingly popular in recent years. Thanks to their unmistakable, unique shape, they can not only absorb a lot of sauce, but also retain their structure when baked. Lumaconi are a good example of this. Have you ever tried them?
Lumaconi, also known as lumache, are shell pasta in the shape of snails. Lumaconi originate from the north-western region of Piedmont in Italy and are a popular pasta for baking and filling. They come in different sizes and textures, from smooth to ribbed.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about lumaconi and we’ll introduce you to delicious dishes that you can try out for yourself. Let’s go!
Lumaconi: origin and meaning
Here are the most important facts at a glance:
| Pasta type | Lumaconi |
| Category | Shell pasta |
| Length | varies |
| Width | varies |
| Thickness | varies |
| Origin | Piedmont, Italy |
| Meaning | Italian term for “snail” |
| Synonyms | Lumache |
| Similar types of pasta | Conchiglie, orecchiette |
Where does Lumaconi come from?
This unique snail-shaped pasta comes from Piedmont, an Italian region that borders France. The French love of snails spread across the border and led to this Italian classic.
Lumaconi come in many different sizes. The smaller ones are used in broths and soups, while the larger ones are typically stuffed and baked in the oven.
What does Lumaconi mean?
The name “Lumaconi” comes from the Italian word “lumaca”, which means “snail”. The pasta itself is modeled on a snail shell and has a hollow, concave opening that tapers towards the bottom. This unique shape allows it to adhere to sauces, especially chunky or creamy sauces.
What is the difference between Lumaconi and Lumache?
Lumaconi and lumache are practically the same pasta. They have exactly the same shape and texture, but it is often said that lumaconi refers to the larger version of pasta, while lumache is the smaller, bite-sized version.
Although they are almost identical, they are prepared in very different ways. Due to their size, the larger lumaconi are usually stuffed and baked, while the smaller lumache are typically prepared in soups or creamy sauces.
Recipes with lumaconi
Here are some traditional dishes that you can prepare with lumaconi pasta:
Stuffed lumaconi
For this recipe, lumaconi shells are stuffed with a creamy spinach and ricotta filling. The stuffed mussels are then placed on a bed of coarse marinara sauce and sprinkled with mozzarella cheese before being baked in the oven until bubbling nicely.
Slow-cooked pork ragu with lumache
What better way to showcase the lumaconi than to let them swim in a meaty ragout? This slow-cooked masterpiece is warm, tasty and incredibly delicious.
These simple but delicious dishes are just some of the ways you can enjoy lumaconi pasta.
Conclusion
Lumaconi is a unique and versatile pasta shape that is the star of any pasta dish. Thanks to their versatility, they go well with almost any sauce and can be cooked in almost any way. If you see a packet of this pasta the next time you go shopping, you should definitely give it a try!
