When I walked down the pasta aisle at my local Superstore, I would stop at their display of +$5 pastas with admiration and curiosity. How much better could their pasta be than the $2.50 pasta I usually buy? Would there really be a difference at all?
One day, I could not take it any longer. My curiosity got the better of me and so I picked up their Black Label Orecchiette.
I knew that the chances of me making homemade pasta and shaping it into little “ears” were pretty slim, at least during my insane summer. I had always wanted to try this particular shape of pasta anyway so I indulged.
Made with rich durum wheat and natural spring water from the Italian Alps, extruded through traditional bronze dies… All that effort to make a pasta with “exceptional flavour and texture…” Would it be worth it?
The Testing
I really did not feel like making a super hot pasta dinner during the heat of August so I made a homemade pesto instead using macadamian nuts and almonds.
I cooked the orecchiette and wow, the golden colour of the pasta was almost angelic in a foodie religion way. I expected to hear harps as I gazed at it. OK, visually, I was impressed.
I added the pesto to the pasta.
Threw in some cooked chicken.
Foodie Results
I bow to the foodie gods! This was unbelievably delicious. Not just because the pesto rocked (and it did) but that pasta? OMG! The texture was stunning. So… interesting. The flavour? Wonderful. It took a dish I love and elevated it to the foodie extreme.
I never expected to be this impressed. I thought it would be a bit better but it was such a huge improvement, it makes it hard to go back to the cheap pasta I usually buy.
On a budget, I just can not buy Black Label Orecchiette on a regular basis for week night dinners but for those special dishes that deserve the “foodie blessings” this pasta delivers? Hell yeah. Big time. Go for it!
I give this product five out of five wooden spoons. Damn, it was so good. Seriously, I love this pasta.
Who knew? I just assumed all store-bought pasta was the same.
Me too Debra and I was just as shocked. I really didn’t think it would be so much better… but it is!
That looks so delicious. I do love Presidents Choice but I also find it a bit pricey.
Although I do make my own pastas from scratch I do not always have the time. I always buy my pastas, cheeses, sundried tomatoes and all other Italian goodies at a small local Italian Market near me. Being all Italian the prices are very reasonable and everything is imported from Italy! The canned tomatoes from the Italian sun really taste amazing and the assortment of pastas boggle the mind.
Look for a little Italian Market near you who caters to people from Italy don’t buy from the “Gourmet Shops” trust me you won’t be sorry.
Foodie/Goddess
Sue
No doubt that a high quality pasta can really take a dish to the next level. I’ve always passed up trying this PC produt as well because of the price, but now I might just splurge for a special meal. We honestly like the Unico pasta, and the 2 pound bag size is just perfect for us for a hearty meal and some leftovers. Your pesto looks absolutely fresh and scrumptious :0)
I’m so glad I have you here to tell me what to try at my local supermarket. Oh the money I’d waste without you! Thanks Suzie.
Wicked Faerie Queen, wish I could make it to specialty stores like that and if I did, I would buy up the whole shop! Thanks for letting me know.
Ava, yes, a special meal would be perfect with this pasta. Not your tuna casserole kind of pasta dish (although I know your family doesn’t like tuna casserole but you know what I mean) but a special dinner would go perfectly with this pasta. I buy Unico all the time too plus Catella’s Smart Pasta.
Sandy, you are so very welcome! Thank YOU for letting me know that my posts help. That feedback is priceless for me!
Let it be known that “Orecchiette” is correctly pronounced Or-ay-kkeh-tay in Italian. Which literally mean “ears”. Capisco l’italiano!