The lesser-known origins of the world-famous Spaghetti dish

Spaghetti is a popular dish worldwide, loved for its simple, appealing preparation, and nutritious content. The allure of Spaghetti lies in the smoothness of the noodles, combined with the sweet and sour flavors of minced beef sauce, tomatoes, and the rich aroma of cheese. While this dish is quite familiar to Vietnamese people, few may know about its origins. Today, T&P FreshFoods will share the story behind this beloved dish.

Spaghetti, delicious and enticing, is famous worldwide

The origin of the world-famous Spaghetti

According to the writings of the Islamic geographer al-Idrisi, this dish was produced in Sicily (southern Italy) in the 12th century. At that time, pasta (the general name for over 300 types of Italian noodles with various shapes and colors made from the same ingredients, including Spaghetti) was a dish reserved for the wealthy during special occasions. In contrast, for farmers, they might only have the chance to eat this dish once in their lifetime or very rarely.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, it gradually became popular and was produced more widely in Naples, a city neighboring Sicily, where it could be purchased cheaply throughout the city and prepared simply with cheese. At that time, pasta was not eaten with a spoon and fork; it was picked up by hand and put directly into the mouth. This cultural aspect attracted tourists to Naples, with many willing to pay a considerable amount to hire beggars on the street to taste this dish and witness the unique customs. Italian pasta at that time was not just a meal but also an endless source of inspiration for artists.

Previously, Italian pasta was only seasoned with cheese. By the 19th century, people began adding tomato sauce along with ground beef. The production of Italian pasta underwent significant changes in the 20th century. Instead of drying the noodles using wind and sunlight, many factories started to process and dry the pasta using electric ovens, leading to mass production due to increasing demand.

Depending on the sauces used, Italian pasta can be prepared in various ways with different flavors. Spaghetti with tomato sauce and ground beef is one of the most beloved and popular dishes. This is followed by unique combinations of cheese and cream to create a distinctive cream sauce pasta.

T&P FreshFoods will guide you on how to make delicious, authentic Italian Spaghetti

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

- 300g beef (chuck or tenderloin), 200g tomatoes, 2-3 onions, 100g minced garlic, 100g minced shallots

- Tomato sauce (you can make it yourself or buy ready-made at the supermarket)

- Seasonings: salt, cooking oil, pepper, butter, mayonnaise

- 1 pack of spaghetti (Pasta Zara or other types according to preference)

How to make Spaghetti Bolognese

Guide to making Spaghetti

- Step 1: Boil the pasta

  + Add about 2 liters of cold water to a pot and bring it to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of oil to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Gradually add the pasta and stir well, cooking for about 8-10 minutes.

  + When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to enhance its chewiness, then let it drain.

- Step 2: Make the sauce

  + Wash the tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water, peel, remove the seeds, and cut into pieces before blending them in a blender until smooth.

  + Peel and finely chop the onion.

  + Mince the beef and place it in a bowl, marinating with 2 teaspoons of oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

  + Heat a pan on the stove and add 1 teaspoon of oil. Wait until it's hot, then add half of the minced garlic and shallots to sauté until fragrant. Add the marinated beef to the pan, stir-frying until the meat is browned, then remove it to a plate.

  + In another pan, add a little oil, then add the remaining minced garlic and shallots to sauté until fragrant.

  + Add the chopped onion and stir until it becomes translucent. Next, add the blended tomatoes and stir well (you can add 2 tablespoons of store-bought tomato sauce for a richer flavor and thicker sauce).

  + Incorporate the sautéed minced beef to enhance the sauce's flavor.

  + Add a bit of butter or mayonnaise for creaminess, then season the sauce with salt, sugar, and a little seasoning powder. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

  + Finally, place the pasta on a plate and pour the minced beef sauce on top to complete your delicious, authentic Spaghetti dish.

Wishing you success and a delicious meal with your loved ones!

If you're unsure where to buy imported beef to make your Spaghetti Bolognese, don't hesitate to contact T&P FreshFoods at Hotline: 1800.6866 to order the freshest and highest quality beef!