What was once the ‘property’ of Italy has now been adopted by the world – the humble pasta, which was once the staple of all Italian homes and was one of the easiest items to prepare and stock, has now become a beloved option for people, across the world. It is believed that the origins of pasta go back to the ancient civilisations of Italy and although the basics have remained the same, the pasta has taken on modern garbs too. If you talk to Italians, they will tell you that original pasta dishes were meant to be extremely simple and truly rustic. 

Today, when you are browsing for sustainable products online, you will come across several brands that sell pasta, but the question remains, which one do you choose for your kitchen. Obviously, you want an option of pasta that is not only tasty, but also healthy and given the trend of all kinds of preservatives, artificial colours, flavours and additives that are being added to many food items, the fear is real. 

At Meolaa, we bring to you a wide range of pasta options, which are healthy and full of taste and in case you are looking for options that are organic, vegan, sustainable and more, you will find them all here. 

Spaghetti, penne, fusilli pasta and so much more! 

Whether you are a newbie to the world of continental or European cuisine, you would already know about pasta, because it has reached the far corners of the world. However, the term pasta is actually an umbrella and there are several types under the umbrella and each type has certain characteristics as well as recipes that work best with it. 

Classic pasta shapes – There are certain shapes which are considered classic and originate from traditional kitchens across Italy. 

• There are long pastas, such as spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, and bucatini, which are noodle like. The thin pastas work really with lighter sauces such as aglio olio, while the thicker pastas go great with heavier sauces such as marinara. 

• Then there are the shorter pastas such as fusilli pasta, penne, rigatoni and farfalle, which are suitable for casseroles, bakes, and chunky sauces. 

• You will also find filled or stuffed pastas, such as ravioli, tortellini, and agnolotti, which are typically filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

Regional – If you go to interior parts of Italy, you will find pastas which are regional specialities; so, orecchiette from Puglia, pici from Tuscany, and trofie from Liguria. Technically, even soba from Japan, rice noodles from Asia, spaetzle from Germany are all variations of pasta, because they are all from the noodle family. 

Modern and speciality – These days, people are looking for whole wheat, whole grain, millet pasta and such, because they tend to offer more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional pasta. Those who are looking avoid gluten or have an allergy to the same can opt for pasta made with rice, corn, or quinoa. Pasta made with chickpea, lentil, and black beans, which are high in protein and fiber are also becoming popular. 

So, there are pastas for every kitchen and every tastebud and no matter what you are looking for, chances are that you will find them at Meolaa. 

Make the switch to organic pasta

Of late, there has been a genuine shift towards eating healthier; people are looking for products that are made with natural ingredients, do not have preservatives, artificial colours, flavours or additives. People are looking for organic, vegan and clean brands, which the entire family can consume without fear. 

• Pasta that is made using organic ingredients, such as organic wheat, millets and whole grains.

• Organic pasta is often made with premium ingredients, leading to a more authentic and wholesome taste.

• Ideally, organic products have minimal processing, which ensures higher nutrient levels.

• Organic farming in general has a lower environmental footprint, making it fit effortlessly into your ecofriendly lifestyle. 

• Where there is no usage of any synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers and chemicals during cultivation.

There is more to try than just the white sauce pasta 

Agreed that the white sauce pasta is one of the most popular, but with the range of pasta sauces that we at Meolaa bring to you, there is so much more you can prepare. Here are some ideas:

• You can try tomato-based sauces such as marinara, arrabbiata, and puttanesca, which can be teamed easily with long or short pasta

• Then there are the cream-based sauces like alfredo, carbonara, and four-cheese sauces and these are perfect to be combined with fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni.

• If you prefer something fresh and herby, then pesto is a good choice. 

• In case you are looking for vegetarian or vegan options consider roasted vegetable sauces and creamy cashew sauces.

• Fusion recipes as also possible with pastas; combine them with creative sauces like miso, tahini, or even makhani.

Getting your wheat pasta (or any pasta) perfectly prepared each time 

When you talk about pasta, you must have heard of terms like al-dente; there is actually a method of cooking and prepping pasta perfectly. Here are some tips that you can keep in mind too:

• Cook as per the pack instructions, but do remember to keep checking, to ensure that the pasta does not get overcooked.

• Always cook pasta in plenty of water – use a large pot with plenty of water and do not put in the pasta till the water is boiling. 

• Add plenty of salt into the water and add oil too, because the salty water will flavour the pasta and the oil will reduce the sticking. 

• Fresh pastas tend to cook faster than dried versions, which is why you need to pay attention to the same. 

• Certain types of pastas pair better with certain types of sauces – so, thin pastas are good with light sauces, while thicker, chunkier sauces need more robust pastas. 

FAQ

• Is pasta healthy to eat?

If you choose healthy versions of pasta, like those made with whole wheat, millets and whole grains, and you utilise fresh vegetables, nuts and such to prepare the sauces, then yes, pasta is healthy. 

• What are the main types of pasta?

There are actually several types of pastas, but the most basic segregation is long and short pasta. 

• Is pasta made of rice?

Pasta can be made with rice, but it is generally made with refined flour or whole wheat flour. 

• Are pasta and macaroni the same?

Macaroni is a type of pasta, like spaghetti, ravioli, fettucine etc. At Meolaa, you will be able to find a wide variety of pasta and pasta sauces as well. 

• Is organic pasta good for you?

Organic pasta is definitely better, especially when you compare it with brands that are made with solely refined flours.