Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce

Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce Recipe from Slovenia

Region / culture: Slovenia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce is a traditional Italian dish that features homemade pasta served with a flavorful sauce made from tender wether meat. This dish is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

History

Spaghetti alla Chitarra is a dish that originates from the Abruzzo region of Italy, where it is a popular and beloved dish. The name "chitarra" refers to the tool used to make the pasta, which is a wooden frame strung with metal strings that resemble a guitar. The wether sauce, made from the meat of a castrated male sheep, adds a unique and rich flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

200 g (7 oz) of durum wheat flour
250 g (8 oz) of wether sauce (an exceptionally tender meat from a castrated male sheep)
50 g (2 oz) of well-aged grated “pecorino” (hard cheese made from ewe's milk)
eggs
a pinch of ground chilli pepper
salt

How to prepare

To make the pasta, place the flour in a mound on the work surface and create a well in the center.
Add the eggs and a pinch of salt into the well.
Combine the ingredients until a soft, even dough forms; cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest in a dry place for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough until it is 2 – 3 mm [0.13 in] thick, then cut it into rectangular shapes similar to "chitarra" and make the spaghetti as instructed.
Cook the spaghetti in salted water, then toss it with the weather sauce, chili pepper, and cheese.
Spaghetti made with the "chitarra" can also be served with a beef or goat meat and tomato sauce.

Variations

Substitute the wether sauce with beef or goat meat for a different flavor.
Add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the pasta dough rest before rolling it out to ensure a tender and delicious texture.

- When cooking the spaghetti, be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the wether sauce, chili pepper, and cheese just before serving to ensure that the flavors are well combined.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce with a side salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the pasta dough to the right thickness is key to achieving the perfect texture for the spaghetti.

- Tossing the cooked spaghetti with the sauce just before serving ensures that the flavors are well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find wether meat, you can substitute it with beef or goat meat.

- You can use store-bought spaghetti if you don't have the time to make homemade pasta.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the pasta dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll it out and cook the spaghetti.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce in a large pasta bowl and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce with a glass of red wine such as Sangiovese or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the durum wheat flour and dairy from the cheese. It may also contain eggs.

Summary

Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce is a delicious and hearty Italian dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. This dish features homemade pasta served with a flavorful sauce made from tender wether meat, chili pepper, and cheese. Enjoy this dish with a side salad and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling market in my small Italian town. As I meandered through the colorful stalls filled with fresh produce and fragrant herbs, I stumbled upon a little old woman selling handmade pasta.

Intrigued, I stopped to watch as she expertly rolled out the dough and cut it into thin, delicate strands using a wooden tool that resembled a guitar. I asked her what she was making, and she proudly declared that she was preparing Spaghetti alla Chitarra, a traditional dish from the Abruzzo region of Italy. She explained that the name came from the tool she used to cut the pasta, which was called a chitarra, meaning guitar in Italian.

I was fascinated by the process and begged her to teach me how to make it. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed and invited me to her home the following day. As I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic. She handed me an apron and set to work teaching me the art of making handmade pasta.

She showed me how to mix the flour and eggs until they formed a smooth, elastic dough. Then, she demonstrated how to roll it out and cut it into thin strips using the chitarra. As we worked, she regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago. She spoke of how her grandmother used to make the pasta for special occasions, like weddings and holidays, and how the dish had become a cherished family tradition.

After we had finished making the pasta, she showed me how to prepare the Wether Sauce, a rich and flavorful ragu made with tender lamb, tomatoes, and herbs. She explained that the sauce took hours to simmer on the stove, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a mouthwatering dish that was both comforting and delicious.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I couldn't help but marvel at the depth of flavor and the love that had gone into making it. The pasta was perfectly al dente, with a satisfying chewiness that paired beautifully with the hearty meat sauce. Every bite was a symphony of flavors, each one more delightful than the last.

From that day on, I was hooked. I spent countless hours in my own kitchen, perfecting the art of making Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Wether Sauce. I experimented with different ingredients and techniques, always striving to capture the magic that had captivated me on that fateful day in the market.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that moment, I can't help but feel grateful for the old woman who took me under her wing and shared her passion for cooking with me. Her recipe has become a staple in my own family, passed down from generation to generation as a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that unites us.

And so, as I take another bite of this delicious dish, I can't help but smile. The flavors transport me back to that sunny day in the market, where a chance encounter with a kind stranger would forever change the way I viewed food and family. And for that, I am eternally grateful.