linguine

Linguine (, ; English: ; sometimes anglicized as linguini) is a type of Italian pasta similar to fettuccine and trenette, but elliptical in section rather than flat. It is about in width, which is wider than spaghetti, but not as wide as fettuccine. Linguine was traditionally served with sauces such as pesto, but others such as tomato or fish based sauces are popular as well.

Linguine originated in Italy and is based on more traditional pastas. It is a type of pasta that finds its origin in the city of Genoa. Linguine is typically available in both white flour and whole-wheat versions, but was originally made with durum wheat. In the United States, National Linguine Day occurs on 15 September every year.

Etymology

Linguine comes from the Latin word ''lingua'', meaning 'tongue'. The modern language closest to Latin is Italian, and the Italian word ''linguine'', plural of the feminine ''linguina'', means 'little tongues'. A thinner version of linguine is called ''linguettine''. Linguine is one of the types of pasta whose name describes its shape (narrow flat pasta).

History

Linguine, a type of flattened spaghetti, was initially documented in the 1700s in Genoa, Italy, by Giulio Giacchero, an economist and writer. Giacchero, author of a book on the economy of Genoa in the 1700s, wrote about linguine served with green beans, potatoes, and a Genovese specialty—basil pesto. He claims it was the typical festive dish of Ligurian families of the 1700s.

Liguria is the coastal region in far northwest Italy on the Ligurian Sea, dominated by the ancient port of Genoa. Basil pesto is a traditional dish there, and is often called by its full name ''pesto alla genovese''. That is why pesto dishes are typically served over linguine.

Production

The production of linguine involves mixing semolina flour or durum flour and water to form a dough, which is then rolled out and cut into flat strands. Traditionally, pasta-making was a labor-intensive process carried out by hand, but modern production methods have streamlined the process.

Wheat can also be ground into whole-wheat flour, then kneaded with water to make whole grain linguine.

Nutrition

Linguine provides sources of energy, carbohydrates, fibers, fat, protein, and minerals.

Preparation

Dry linguine is cooked in a pot of salted, boiling water.

The linguine is stirred gently to prevent sticking together and cooked for 8–10 minutes or until al dente.

While the noodles cook, desired sauce is prepared in a separate pan. Linguine is then drained using a colander. A small cup of pasta water is reserved as it is used to adjust the consistency of sauce later.

Linguine vs. spaghetti

Linguine and spaghetti are two pasta types in Italian cuisine. These pastas have several similarities and one key difference:

Shape:

* The primary difference between linguine and spaghetti.
* Linguine is a flat noodle.
* Spaghetti is a round noodle.
* Linguine's flat shape provides a surface area for clinging to sauces, making it more common for seafood dishes.

Wheat:

* Linguine and spaghetti are traditionally made with durum or semolina flour.
* These types of pasta can technically be made from any type of flour, such as potato or rice, but the traditional forms use wheat.

Long pasta:

* There are many different types of pasta with varying pasta shapes, such as penne, farfalle, rigatoni, macaroni, fusilli, ziti, lasagna, and tagliatelle.
* Linguine and spaghetti belong to the category of pasta known as long pasta.
* Other pastas with long noodles include fettuccine, angel hair, and capellini.

Preparation:

* Many pasta recipes call for noodles to be prepared al dente, meaning they are removed from the hot water while still slightly firm.
* Both spaghetti and linguine dishes are cooked this way.

See also

* List of pasta
* Fettuccine
* Spaghetti
* '' Trenette''

References

{{Pasta

Types of pasta
Cuisine of Liguria