Traditional Pici Pasta Recipe: A Taste of Tuscany

TLDRLearn how to make traditional Pici pasta from scratch, a delicious handmade pasta dish popular in Tuscany, Italy. This recipe uses flour, semolina, water, olive oil, and egg to create a simple yet flavorful pasta. The pasta is served with caramelized onions and rabbit meat, topped with salted Ricotta for a creamy finish.

Key insights

🍝Pici is a traditional Tuscan pasta similar to thick Spaghetti, made with flour, semolina, water, olive oil, and sometimes egg. It is rolled out by hand and has a rustic, chewy texture.

🧅Caramelized onions are a common accompaniment to Pici pasta. They are cooked slowly in a pan with oil, salt, sugar, white wine, and red wine vinegar to achieve a sweet and tangy flavor.

🐇The rabbit meat used in this recipe adds a delicate and flavorful protein to the dish. It is cut into small pieces and quickly fried in a pan before being cooked in a sauce made with white wine.

🧄Garlic and rosemary are traditional Italian flavors used to season the rabbit meat. They infuse the meat with aromatic notes and enhance its overall taste.

🧀Salted Ricotta is the final touch of creaminess and flavor in this dish. It is grated on top of the pasta to bind the flavors together and add a subtle tanginess.

Q&A

Can I make Pici pasta without eggs?

Yes, traditionally Pici pasta is made without eggs. However, some recipes may include an egg for added richness and flavor.

Can I substitute rabbit meat with chicken or pork?

Yes, if you prefer a different protein, you can substitute rabbit meat with chicken or pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What other sauces can I serve with Pici pasta?

Pici pasta is versatile and can be served with various sauces. Some popular options include tomato-based sauces, pesto, or a simple olive oil and garlic sauce.

Where can I find Semolina flour?

Semolina flour is commonly found in grocery stores, especially in the baking aisle or specialty flour section. It can also be purchased online.

Can I make Pici pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Pici pasta dough in advance and let it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will enhance its elasticity and make it easier to work with.

Timestamped Summary

00:16In this video, Ombretta and Filippo from La Leggenda dei Frati restaurant in Florence, Italy, demonstrate how to make traditional Pici pasta.

01:06Pici is a handmade pasta similar to thick Spaghetti, made with flour, semolina, water, olive oil, and sometimes egg.

02:49Caramelized onions are a common accompaniment to Pici pasta, cooked slowly in a pan with oil, salt, sugar, white wine, and red wine vinegar.

06:29Rabbit meat is used in this recipe, cut into small pieces and quickly fried before being cooked in a sauce made with white wine.

09:58The Pici pasta is rolled by hand and boiled in salted water until al dente.

17:43The cooked Pici pasta is tossed in the pan with the caramelized onions and rabbit meat, then garnished with salted Ricotta for added creaminess.

18:48The dish is plated and served, ready to be enjoyed with its rustic flavors and homemade pasta.

19:58Ombretta and Filippo invite viewers to try their Pici pasta recipe and savor the delicious combination of flavors.