Orecchiette

If you're in the mood for something different for dinner tonight, why not try orecchiette? This unusual pasta shape originates from the Puglia region of Italy. Orecchiette means "little ears" in Italian, and the pasta is shaped like a small, flattened disc with a dimple in the center.

Orecchiette recipes are thought to date back to the 13th century. The pasta was traditionally made by hand, and each orecchiette was formed by pressing a small piece of dough into the center of the palm and then using the thumb to create the characteristic dimple. The pasta was then cooked in boiling water.

Today, orecchiette is still made by hand in some parts of Italy. However, it is also widely available in supermarkets, and it is often used in recipes that call for shells or other small pasta shapes.

Advice

When making orecchiette, it's important to use a good quality durum wheat flour. This type of flour is higher in protein and gluten than other types of flour and will help give your orecchiette a better texture and flavor. Additionally, using a pasta machine to roll out the dough will help make the process much faster and easier. If you don't have a pasta machine, you can always roll the dough out by hand. Make sure to roll the dough thin and cut it into small circles with a knife or cookie cutter. Finally, don't forget to cook your orecchiette in plenty of boiling salted water until they are al dente - overcooking them will make them too soft and mushy. Enjoy!

Questions

Is orecchiette a type of pasta?

Yes, orecchiette is a type of pasta that is shaped like small, round discs with a cup-like shape in the center.

What is the closest pasta to orecchiette?

The closest pasta to orecchiette is cavatelli. They are both small, ridged, round-shaped pastas.

What is shell pasta called in Italy?

In Italy, shell pasta is typically referred to as Conchiglie, which translates to "shells" in English.

Is orecchiette pasta same as shells?

No, orecchiette pasta and shells are not the same. Orecchiette is a type of pasta that is shaped like small discs with a curved edge, while shells are more rounded and tubular in shape.

How do you say orecchiette in Italian?

Orecchiette in Italian is pronouced "oh-rek-kyeh-teh".

What is orecchiette pasta good for?

Orecchiette pasta is a great addition to hearty, vegetable-based soups, as well as light and creamy pasta dishes. It can also be used in pasta salads or simply served with a simple sauce like garlic and olive oil.

Jump to: Ingredient Breakdown Insights

Recipes

  /public/giallo-zafferano-logo.svg

Orecchiette

  • acqua tiepida
  • sale fino
  • semola di grano duro rimacinata
  /public/bonappetit-logo.svg

Toasted Orecchiette with Veal Meatballs

  • parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • tuscan kale
  • onion
  • orecchiette
  • bread crumb
  • coriander
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flake
  • allspice
  • hot smoked spanish paprika
  • chicken broth
  • smoked bacon
  • milk
  • olive oil
  • ground pork
  • veal
  • maitake mushroom
  • garlic
  /public/food52-logo.svg

Harissa Lamb Orecchiette With Mustard Greens

  • Harissa Lamb & Mustard Greens
  • yellow
  • mustard green
  • lamb
  • orecchiette
  • red pepper flake
  • grapeseed oil
  • orange zest
  • cumin
  • salt
  • pistachio
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • tomato paste
  • harissa paste
  • garlic
  • Orecchiette
  • tepid water
  • semolina flour
  • all purpose flour
  • salt
  /public/love-and-lemons-logo.png

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe

  • lemon juice
  • broccoli rabe
  • parmesan cheese
  • pine nut
  • white wine
  • red pepper flake
  • caramelized onion
  • plant based italian sausage
  • garlic
  • orecchiette pasta
  • oil tomato
  • olive oil
  • salt

Ingredient Breakdown

 
salt
olive oil
orecchiette
garlic
parmesan cheese
red pepper flake
black pepper
onion
broccoli rabe
basil
orecchiette pasta
butter
parsley
lemon juice
tomato
fennel
shallot
pepper
cherry tomato
pecorino romano cheese
italian sausage
pistachio
butternut squash
mint
bacon
marjoram
brussels sprout
pasta water
ricotta salata
pea
leek
lemon zest
bread crumb
heavy cream
spring onion
lemon
red pepper
arugula
jalapeño
ears corn
feta
fully bratwurst
sour cream
dill
sauerkraut
green kale
sugar
chicken stock
fennel seed
mascarpone cheese
acqua tiepida
sale fino
semola di grano duro rimacinata
shrimp
italian flat leaf parsley
day italian bread
pork sausage
yellow bean
hazelnut
corn
ricotta cheese
swiss chard
walnut
apple wood smoked bacon
pomegranate seed
apple cider vinegar
dijon mustard
bell pepper
buttermilk
shiitake mushroom
almond
vegetable stock
pasta sauce
mother stallard bean
green bean
hard ricotta cheese
pcs anchovy
cinnamon
tuscan kale
coriander
allspice
hot smoked spanish paprika
chicken broth
smoked bacon
milk
ground pork
veal
maitake mushroom
sweet pepper
meagre
null olive oil
null mint
null rosemary
null salt
null thyme
yellow
mustard green
tepid water
lamb
grapeseed oil
orange zest
cumin
semolina flour
all purpose flour
tomato paste
harissa paste
water
baking soda
artichoke
cod meat
red wine
italian fontina cheese
pine nut
white wine
caramelized onion
plant based italian sausage
oil tomato
black eyed pea
balsamic vinegar
spinach
cauliflower
oil cured anchovy
anchovy
grano arso orecchiette
zucchini plant tender shoot
< href= http www almagourmet com flour
squid body
semolina
celery
russet potato
brocolli rabe
goat cheese
cannellini bean
mussel
bay leaf
grana padano cheese
lemon peel
sage
thyme
pecorino cheese
bread
chicory
orange
saltpacked caper
taggiasca olife

Insights

Staple Ingredients

  • salt 64%
  • orecchiette 58%
  • garlic 53%
  • olive oil 53%

Common Ingredients

  • parmesan cheese 36%

Usual Ingredients

  • red pepper flake 25%
  • black pepper 17%
  • broccoli rabe 17%
  • onion 17%
  • basil 14%
  • butter 14%
  • lemon juice 14%