Fusilli

Fusilli pasta

Fusilli is a type of pasta that is formed into a corkscrew or spiral shape. The name "fusilli" is derived from the Italian word "fuso," meaning "spindle," as the pasta is traditionally spun around a rod to create its distinctive shape.

History

Fusilli has its origins in Southern Italy, where it was traditionally made by rolling fresh spaghetti around a thin rod and then allowing it to dry. This method of preparation gave fusilli its characteristic spiral shape, which is ideal for holding onto sauces.

Varieties

Fusilli comes in several varieties, including:

• Fusilli lunghi: A longer version of fusilli, similar to spaghetti but with a spiral shape.
• Fusilli bucati: A hollow version of fusilli, which allows it to hold even more sauce.
• Fusilli col buco: Similar to fusilli bucati, but with a larger hole.

Culinary Uses

Fusilli is a versatile pasta that pairs well with a variety of sauces. Its spiral shape makes it particularly good at holding onto thicker sauces, such as pesto, tomato sauce, and cream sauce. It is also commonly used in pasta salads, where its shape and texture add visual and culinary interest.

Preparation

Fusilli is typically cooked in boiling salted water until it reaches an "al dente" texture, meaning it is firm to the bite. The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness and type of fusilli.

Related pages

• Pasta
• Spaghetti
• Penne
• Macaroni