Lagane e ceci

Lagane_e_ciciari_ara_cusentina

Lagane e ceci is a traditional Italian dish originating from the southern regions of Italy, particularly Basilicata, Campania, and Calabria. This dish is a type of pasta and legume soup, featuring homemade lagane pasta and chickpeas (ceci in Italian).

Ingredients

The primary ingredients for Lagane e ceci include:

• Lagane pasta
• Chickpeas
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Rosemary
• Salt
• Pepper
• Tomato paste (optional)

Preparation

The preparation of Lagane e ceci involves several steps:

1. **Soaking the Chickpeas**: The chickpeas are soaked in water overnight to soften them. 2. **Cooking the Chickpeas**: After soaking, the chickpeas are boiled until tender. 3. **Preparing the Lagane**: Lagane is a type of wide, flat pasta made from a simple dough of semolina flour and water. The dough is rolled out and cut into strips. 4. **Combining Ingredients**: In a large pot, garlic is sautéed in olive oil until golden. The cooked chickpeas are then added, along with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Some recipes may include tomato paste for added flavor. 5. **Cooking the Pasta**: The lagane pasta is added to the pot and cooked until al dente. 6. **Serving**: The dish is served hot, often garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Cultural Significance

Lagane e ceci is a dish deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of southern Italy. It is considered a peasant dish, reflecting the simplicity and resourcefulness of rural Italian cooking. The use of chickpeas and homemade pasta highlights the reliance on locally available ingredients.

Variations

While the basic recipe remains consistent, there are regional variations in the preparation of Lagane e ceci:

• In Basilicata, the dish may include additional herbs such as bay leaves.
• In Campania, it is common to add a bit of tomato paste for a richer flavor.
• In Calabria, the dish might be spicier, with the addition of red pepper flakes.

See Also

• Italian cuisine
• Pasta
• Chickpeas
• Basilicata
• Campania
• Calabria