Pasta is a savory dish among many food lovers, thanks to its numerous health benefits. It comes in different shapes, and, maltagliati is quite popular. It is an Italian pasta made of leftover dough and scraps and features an irregular pasta shape, hence the name maltagliati.
Maltagliati pasta is an Emilia-Romagna pasta shape whose origin can be traced back to Emilia-Romagna, Italy. These are roughly shaped pieces and scraps of pasta, featuring squares or irregularly shaped flat pieces of pasta dough derived from rolled-out tagliatelle pasta or ravioli cuttings.
Here is more information about Maltagliati pasta, its origin, shape, and dimensions.
Maltagliati: Origin and Meaning
| Pasta Shape: | Maltagliati |
| Pasta Type: | Ribbon Pasta |
| Length: | 1 3/4 inch per individual square |
| Width: | About 1/8-inch thick. |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Meaning: | “Badly cut” |
| Synonyms: | Martaliai, Pizzelle, Pettole |
| Similar Shapes: | Agnolotti, Gnocchi, Fettuccine, Ravioli |
Where did Maltagliati Originate?
Maltagliati represents an Italian cooking style that uses simple ingredients. Its origin is synonymous with peasant-style cooking in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. It is made of pasta scraps and leftovers and is a significant component of cucina povera, an expression of minimal wastage during the manufacture of pasta.
Like strozzapreti, maltagliati recycles pasta scraps creatively, and the pasta shape is a favorite among many. For this reason, many other versions of pasta pieces cut in neat diamond shapes have since come up. Nonetheless, handmade maltagliati is still a cultural marvel and is recognized as prodotto, a heritage product in Italy and a delicious piece of culinary history.
What Does Maltagliati Mean?
Maltagliati is an Italian word meaning “Poorly made” or “poorly cut .”It is a shape of pasta made from leftover dough or pasta scaps and exhibits as roughly shaped pieces while manufacturing other pasta. Traditionally when raviolis and other Italian pastas were being manufactured, the leftovers were kept and combined to form Maltagliati.
What Is the Difference Between Maltagliati and Pierogi?
Maltagliati pasta is made of leftover roughly shaped pasta pieces. These can be strips, triangles, or round or rhombus shapes that vary in size and thickness. Similarly, Pierogi is a renowned Polish food made of unleavened bread. It consists of filled dumplings, which are half-circular in shape. Traditional Pierogi fillings include minced cooked meat, potatoes, mushrooms, seasoned fruits, and more.
Traditional dishes that use Maltagliati
Maltagliati is a favorite pasta shape typical in most traditional dishes. Examples of traditional recipes that use this pasta shape include;
1. Penne with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
This seasonal pasta recipe combines pumpkin puree, starchy Maltagliati pasta, and water to create a satisfying savory meal.
2. Maltagliati Pasta with Pear, Gorgonzola, and Walnut Sauce
This Maltagliati recipe combines egg pasts, pear, dash cream, and walnuts. You only need to roll the pasta to medium thickness and cut it into shape. Saute the peeled pear in a pan and mix with already boiled pasta. Add a dash of cream and chopped walnuts, sprinkle ground pepper, and serve.
3. Maltagliati with Borlotti Beans and Rosemary Gremolata
This Maltagliati recipe includes blended beans, pasta, and other ingredients such as zested lemon and garlic for that flavorful touch.
Final Thoughts
Maltagliati is a pasta that you can rarely resist! Include it in your recipes and enjoy that flavorful pasta taste in your meals!