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The [[English language|English]] word '''pasta''' generally refers to [[noodle]]s and other food products made from a [[flour]] and [[water]] paste, often including also [[Egg (food)|egg]] and [[salt]]. Less frequently, the term ''[[macaroni]]'' is used for the same products. ''Pasta'' can also denote dishes in which pasta products are the primary ingredient, served with sauce or seasonings. The word comes from [[Italian language|Italian]] ''pasta'' which means basically "paste", and by extension "dough", "pasta", or "pastry" as in "small cake". As recently as [[1918]] the English word "paste" was used instead of or alongside the Italian ''pasta''[http://www.bartleby.com/87/0006.html]. |
The [[English language|English]] word '''pasta''' generally refers to [[noodle]]s and other food products made from a [[flour]] and [[water]] paste, often including also [[Egg (food)|egg]] and [[salt]]. Less frequently, the term ''[[macaroni]]'' is used for the same products. ''Pasta'' can also denote dishes in which pasta products are the primary ingredient, served with sauce or seasonings. The word comes from [[Italian language|Italian]] ''pasta'' which means basically "paste", and by extension "dough", "pasta", or "pastry" as in "small cake". As recently as [[1918]] the English word "paste" was used instead of or alongside the Italian ''pasta''[http://www.bartleby.com/87/0006.html]. Today the word ''pasta'' is reserved for Italian-style noodles in English-speaking countries, while the word ''noodle'' has a more general meaning. |
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Wheat noodles are by far the most common noodles in [[Asia]] (c.f., [[Chinese noodles]] and the [[Japan]]ese [[udon]] and [[somen]]) and [[Europe]] (c.f., [[spaghetti]]), while rice noodles tend to be rare outside of Asia. |
Wheat noodles are by far the most common noodles in [[Asia]] (c.f., [[Chinese noodles]] and the [[Japan]]ese [[udon]] and [[somen]]) and [[Europe]] (c.f., [[spaghetti]]), while rice noodles tend to be rare outside of Asia. Dried Italian-style pasta is made from [[durum]] wheat flour, which gives it a light yellow color. Asian-stype noodles as well as most fresh noodles are made from regular (non-durum) wheat flour. |
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== History == |
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While it is often said that [[Marco Polo]] brought the concept back with him from [[China]], pasta had been known in Europe for many centuries before his voyage. The earliest known records are found on [[Etruscan civilization|Etruscan]] tomb decorations from the [[4th century BC]]. |
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The earliest known records of noodles in Europe are found on [[Etruscan civilization|Etruscan]] tomb decorations from the [[4th century BC]]. It is often said that [[Marco Polo]] brought noodles with him to Italy from [[China]], but this is know known to be false; pasta was known in Europe for many centuries before his voyage. |
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[[Thomas Jefferson]] is credited with bringing the first ''[[macaroni]]'' machine to America in [[1789]] when he returned home after serving as [[Ambassador (diplomacy)|ambassador]] to [[France]]. |
[[Thomas Jefferson]] is credited with bringing the first ''[[macaroni]]'' machine to America in [[1789]] when he returned home after serving as [[Ambassador (diplomacy)|ambassador]] to [[France]]. |
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== Accompaniments == |
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Common pasta sauces include [[pesto]] (usually a green sauce), [[tomato sauce|marinara]] (a red tomato-based sauce), and [[alfredo]] (a white cream sauce). |
Common pasta sauces include [[pesto]] (usually a green sauce), [[tomato sauce|marinara]] (a red tomato-based sauce), and [[alfredo]] (a white cream sauce). |
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In [[Italy]], pasta with [[sauce]] (''sugo'') is often called "pastasciutta" ("asciutta" means "dry," indicating that the pasta is not served in [[broth]]). |
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==Pasta varieties== |
==Pasta varieties== |
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The English word pasta generally refers to noodles and other food products made from a flour and water paste, often including also egg and salt. Less frequently, the term macaroni is used for the same products. Pasta can also denote dishes in which pasta products are the primary ingredient, served with sauce or seasonings. The word comes from Italian pasta which means basically "paste", and by extension "dough", "pasta", or "pastry" as in "small cake". As recently as 1918 the English word "paste" was used instead of or alongside the Italian pasta[1]. Today the word pasta is reserved for Italian-style noodles in English-speaking countries, while the word noodle has a more general meaning.
Wheat noodles are by far the most common noodles in Asia (c.f., Chinese noodles and the Japanese udon and somen) and Europe (c.f., spaghetti), while rice noodles tend to be rare outside of Asia. Dried Italian-style pasta is made from durum wheat flour, which gives it a light yellow color. Asian-stype noodles as well as most fresh noodles are made from regular (non-durum) wheat flour.
The earliest known records of noodles in Europe are found on Etruscan tomb decorations from the 4th century BC. It is often said that Marco Polo brought noodles with him to Italy from China, but this is know known to be false; pasta was known in Europe for many centuries before his voyage.
Thomas Jefferson is credited with bringing the first macaroni machine to America in 1789 when he returned home after serving as ambassadortoFrance.
Common pasta sauces include pesto (usually a green sauce), marinara (a red tomato-based sauce), and alfredo (a white cream sauce).
InItaly, pasta with sauce (sugo) is often called "pastasciutta" ("asciutta" means "dry," indicating that the pasta is not served in broth).
The only basic difference between these names is the shape of the pasta. The most common varities are in bold.
