Massimo Montanari

Massimo Montanari, a professor of food history at the University of Bologna, explores the rich history of spaghetti and its evolution in conversation with food writer Rachel Roddy. They debunk the Marco Polo myth and trace pasta's influences back to the Greco-Roman and Arab worlds. Montanari reveals how tomatoes transitioned from a foreign novelty to a beloved sauce in Italian cuisine and discusses the significance of pasta shapes. He emphasizes the evolving nature of recipes, the revival of home pasta-making, and regional differences in pasta culture.