Buying pasta

Pasta can of course be bought at any supermarket, but if you are within reach of an Italian deli you will find a far greater variety of shapes there, and probably some of the best-quality Italian pasta. It is worth going out of your way to buy good pasta, as the difference in taste is quite considerable, and the difference in price is small.

The main thing to look for when buying dried pasta is that it must state on the package that it is made from durum wheat (or durum semolina). This is quite essential, as pasta made wholly or partly from bread wheat tastes less good and goes mushy when cooked.