I am SO confused! What is the difference between a piece or shape of pasta - like penne for example - and a noodle?
I always thought noodles were only used in Chinese food. But if that's true, then why do I read about 'pasta noodles' online and what does that refer to?
Help! Thanks...
Comments for
What's the difference between pasta and noodles?
Here's what I've learned by: Matt - Pasta Recipes Made Easy
What a great question Deana! This issue used to confuse the heck out of me too, and I'm sure we're not the only ones.
The first pasta name problem comes about because Americans and us Brits use different words to talk about pasta.
For us Brits, when we talk about rigatoni or ravioli, we say 'pasta shapes' or 'pasta pieces'. We use 'noodles' in most cases - as you know - to talk about Chinese noodles.
However Americans use 'noodles' to mean pasta shapes, in particular pieces of pasta made using egg. Thus the confusion!
So you'll hear for example US folks talking about 'lasagna noodles' (meaning a lasagna sheet), which to us just sounds bizarre.
But the plot thickens... these noodles the Yanks talk about are a specific type of pasta. If pasta is made using flour, water and egg, then Americans call its shapes noodles (at least according to the Ronzoni definition I use).
Whereas... if a pasta is made without egg (and thickened up by using durum wheat 'semolina' flour instead of plain flour), then the Americans call it macaroni.
Oh, and of course... macaroni is also a mini pasta shape (i.e. mac and cheese). Fun isn't it? ;-)
As for Chinese noodles, these more translucent offerings don't usually contain egg and are mainly differentiated by the specific type of flour used (rice flour etc.)
I hope that helps a little!
Ciao,
Matt.
Aug 20, 2010
Wow! by: Chris Burton
What a great answer, Matt. Thanks, I wanted to know that too. And thanks to the question poster.
Chris
Oct 27, 2010
And as for language derivitives... by: Anonymous
According to ... http://www.food-info.net/uk/qa/qa-fp147.htm ...
The word pasta comes from Italian pasta which means basically "paste", but also "dough", "pasta", or "pastry" (as in small cake). Today the word "pasta" is reserved for Italian-style noodles in English-speaking countries, while the word "noodle" has a more general meaning, including many similar Asian products. The word noodle actually is derived from the German Nudel, meaning... pasta.
Pasta can also denote dishes in which pasta products are the primary ingredient, served with sauce or seasonings.
Jul 05, 2011
History of the noodle? by: student (cherry)
Can i ask? What are the story of the noodle? And why is it the name noodle? Where is noodle basically came from?
Please i need an answer so that i can understand clearly... please??????
Answer: Hi Cherry, a few too many questions for me tackle there I'm afraid, without researching a book's worth!
The book I suggest you should read or grab from your library is called Delizia (it's here on Amazon). It really is excellent and charts the history of Italian food, pasta of course included.
Matt.
Aug 20, 2011
Past/noodles/past??? by: Anonymous
Thank you for the information. It was the topic at dinner tonight.
