Apicius’ Minestra Di Passatelli

🍽️ Apicius’ Minestra Di Passatelli 🇮🇹

Apicius’ Minestra Di Passatelli is a classic Italian dish with a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. This unique pasta dish is beloved for its comforting and hearty qualities. Here’s a detailed look at its history, components, preparation steps, and the estimated time needed to prepare it:

📜 History:
Apicius was a Roman gourmet and author of the earliest known cookbook, “De Re Coquinaria,” which dates back to the 1st century AD. The dish’s name pays homage to him. Passatelli is a traditional pasta from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, and it has been enjoyed for centuries. It was originally a frugal dish, born out of the necessity to use up stale bread.

🥖 Components:

• Passatelli Dough:
  • 200g of breadcrumbs (preferably made from stale bread)
  • 100g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Broth:
  • Homemade chicken or vegetable broth
• Optional:
  • A drizzle of olive oil
  • Chopped fresh herbs for garnish

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Passatelli Dough:

   • In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the eggs and mix until a dough forms. If it’s too dry, you can add a bit of water.
   • Knead the dough until it’s smooth.

2. Shape the Passatelli:

   • Roll the dough into long cylinders, about the thickness of a pencil.
   • Cut the cylinders into small pieces, about 1 inch long.
   • You can use a passatelli maker or a grater with large holes to shape them traditionally.

3. Cook the Passatelli:

   • Bring the homemade broth to a simmer in a large pot.
   • Gently drop the passatelli into the simmering broth.
   • Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.

4. Serve:

   • Ladle the passatelli and broth into individual serving bowls.
   • Optionally, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley.

5. Enjoy! 🍲

⏱️ Time Needed:
The preparation time for Apicius’ Minestra Di Passatelli depends on your cooking experience, but on average, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish. This includes the time for preparing the dough, shaping the passatelli, cooking them in the broth, and serving.

This delightful dish combines history and tradition with the comfort of Italian cuisine, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal. Buon appetito! 🇮🇹🍽️👌

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apicius’ Minestra Di Passatelli:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving.
• Protein: About 10-15 grams.
• Carbohydrates: Around 20-25 grams.
• Dietary Fiber: Minimal.
• Fat: 7-10 grams.
• Cholesterol: Approximately 50-60 milligrams.
• Sodium: The amount of sodium can vary depending on the broth used, but it’s generally moderate. Be cautious if you have sodium-sensitive dietary restrictions.

Health Information:

1. Protein: Passatelli provides a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall bodily functions.

2. Carbohydrates: While passatelli is carb-based, it can be part of a balanced diet. However, if you are watching your carb intake, be mindful of portion sizes.

3. Fiber: This dish is not particularly high in dietary fiber due to its main ingredients (breadcrumbs and eggs). Consider adding fiber-rich vegetables or a side salad to increase fiber content.

4. Fat and Cholesterol: The dish contains some fat and cholesterol due to the use of Parmesan cheese and eggs. These are reasonable in moderation, but if you have specific dietary restrictions, you can make adjustments.

5. Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the type of broth used. If you’re concerned about sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium broth or make your own to control the salt content.

6. Nutrient Variation: The nutrient content may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe.

Remember that while Apicius’ Minestra Di Passatelli can be a delicious and satisfying meal, it’s essential to balance it with a variety of other nutrient-rich foods for a well-rounded diet. Additionally, consider any dietary restrictions or health goals you may have when enjoying this dish.