Linguine is an extremely popular pasta served all around the world! Hailing from Italy, it pairs beautifully with many flavourful herbs and spices, sauces, meats, fish and cheeses! With national linguine day on 15th September, we take a closer look at this long loved pasta and the best seasonings to use alongside your linguine dishes.
What is Linguine?
Linguine is a long strand pasta that is golden in colour. Originating in Genoa, linguine is made from semolina and is thinner than fettuccine but thicker and flatter than spaghetti! Did you know that linguine’s literally translates from Italian as little tongues?
Linguine strips are only about 3mm wide, so they’re very thin and fragile. This pasta takes about 10 minutes to cook and should not be broken down before boiled. Be sure to cook in salted water to infuse more flavour into your dish!
What Is the Difference Between Spaghetti and Linguine?
A lot of people get spaghetti and linguine confused! However, there are some distinct differences. Linguine is slightly flatter and wider than spaghetti. Spaghetti is thinner than linguine and cut in a thin tubular shape. They are, however, the same length. Linguine tends to hold sauces better than spaghetti because of its flatter surface area.
Our Top Italian Pasta Herbs
Anyone can bring a taste of Italy to their restaurant, or even their home. You just have to know the right herbs and spices to use! With Italian food, it’s about being creative and getting those fragrant elements to shine through the dish. Keep in mind that it’s always better to add a little as you go, taste and you can always add more. Many people make the mistake of adding too much all in one go and overpowering the dish.
In Italy, it’s quite common to serve a pasta dish using just penne, olive oil, fresh garlic and seasoning and a sprinkling of cheese – what makes it so irresistible is the herbs and spices that are used. Although fresh, colourful herbs are often essential for garnishing Italian dishes, or cooking, dried herbs are actually stronger than fresh herbs because the volatile oils remain intact for longer.
For that traditional Italian taste, we’ve listed the dried herbs and spices that you should be using with your pasta dishes:
Oregano
Prized in southern Italy and Sicily, Oregano is the secret to traditional Italian cuisine. It’s one of the most flavourful herbs used in Italian dishes and is the key to rich tomato sauces. Perfect for that fragrant and fresh kick!
Basil
Known as the Italian herb, Basil is more associated with Italian cooking than any other. It’s a fundamental ingredient in tomato sauces, pasta dishes and pairs beautifully with cheese when fresh or dried. Its aromatic and accessible nature means it can freshen up any Italian dish quickly.
Garlic
Garlic both fresh and in powder form goes perfectly with pasta, adding a delicious flavour that’s both tangy and sweet. Sprinkle over your dish if you’re seeking to add a little complexity to your dish. Pair powdered garlic with parmesan for a strong cheesy mix. Garlic is a good place to start for those who may not have branched out with herbs and spices before.
Parsley
Commonly paired with garlic because of its refreshing nature, Parsley is often used in traditional Italian cooking. Parsley is fresh and fragrant (a cousin of coriander) and can add an elegant touch to your Italian cuisine.
Sage
Used frequently in northern Italy, Sage can help bring authenticity to your Italian dishes. Often used in combination with Rosemary, sage is used in large quantities to flavour meats and fresh antipasto plates. Perfect with a glass of Italian wine!
Don’t be afraid to try out your own seasoning combinations! Italian pasta herbs and spic taste amazing on their own, but paired together, they create completely unique flavourings. Try out some different mixes to find a selection that suits your palate. Here at World of Spice, we can even create your own bespoke spice mix!
Get in Touch
At World of Spice, we understand the importance of authentic and traditional tasting cuisine. As experienced and trusted seasoning suppliers, our seasonings, herbs and spices are known for their purity and potency, full of delicious flavour to give your Italian food the edge. Our service is cost-effective and reliable; we go above and beyond for each of our customers to ensure that you get the produce you need for business.
From bespoke blends to a choice of packaging, complete with custom labelling, our comprehensive service can help you achieve your culinary goals. For more information about our services and what we can offer you, please contact us at orders@worldofspice.co.uk, or feel free to call our team on 01277 633303.
We look forward to hearing from you.
