The Atlas Obscura Podcast A Pasta Tour of Italy with Dan Pashman
Sep 12, 2024
Dan Pashman, a cookbook author and the host of Sporkful, embarks on a flavorful journey through Italy, uncovering hidden regional pasta dishes. He shares surprising insights about innovation versus tradition in Italian cuisine. The conversation highlights unique creations like 'assassin's spaghetti' and how social media reshapes culinary landscapes. Pashman also celebrates the cultural significance of pasta, blending history with modern twists. His passion for pasta shines through, inspiring a desire to explore the rich flavors of Italy.
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Italy's Regional Pasta Culture
- Italy's pasta culture is highly regional due to its late unification 175 years ago.
- Rome became a fusion hub because of 20th-century migrations and American influence during WWII.
Carbonara's Surprising Origin
- Pasta became Italy's national dish about 100 years ago under fascist rule.
- Carbonara was invented in the 1940s during WWII, influenced by American soldiers' rations.
Lecce's Legume-Based Dishes
- In Lecce, a dry region of Italy, legumes like fava beans and chickpeas dominate due to little livestock.
- Dan experienced traditional dishes like fava chicoria and chickpea broth pasta with crunchy and chewy textures.