Celebrate World Pasta Day: Dining Out or Feasting at Home?

World Pasta Day, celebrated annually on 25th October, is the perfect excuse to indulge in one of the most beloved and versatile foods on the planet.

Whether you're a fan of creamy carbonara, hearty Bolognese, or delicate aglio e olio, pasta offers endless possibilities. 

This year, why not mark the occasion in style, either by enjoying an evening out at your favourite Italian restaurant or hosting a cosy pasta feast at home? Here are some ideas to make your World Pasta Day truly memorable.

1. Dining Out: Treat Yourself to an Italian Feast

If you fancy someone else doing the cooking, dining out is a wonderful way to celebrate. Italian restaurants across the UK are known for their warm atmosphere, authentic dishes, and of course, expertly cooked pasta. Here’s how to make the most of your pasta-filled night out:

Explore Local Italian Eateries: Use the day as an opportunity to discover a new Italian restaurant near you. Whether it’s a high-end Italian bistro or a cosy family-owned trattoria, there's no shortage of choices. Many restaurants may even offer special menus or discounts to celebrate World Pasta Day.

Try Something New: While you might love a classic spaghetti Bolognese or lasagne, World Pasta Day is the perfect time to expand your pasta palate. Why not try something more adventurous, like pappardelle with wild boar ragu, cacio e pepe, or pasta alla norma with aubergine and ricotta?

Pair It with Wine: Pasta and wine are a match made in heaven. For a creamy Alfredo or carbonara, pair it with a crisp white like a Pinot Grigio. If you're enjoying a robust meat sauce, a bold red such as Chianti or Montepulciano will complement the flavours beautifully.

2. Feasting at Home: A Homemade Pasta Celebration

For those who prefer a more intimate celebration or simply love cooking, hosting a pasta feast at home is equally rewarding. Here’s how to turn your kitchen into a mini Italian trattoria:

Cook from Scratch: Why not go the extra mile and make your pasta from scratch? Homemade pasta is surprisingly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. Get the whole family involved in rolling out the dough, or invest in a pasta machine for an even more authentic experience. Tagliatelle, ravioli, or even hand-rolled gnocchi are great options to try.

Create a Themed Pasta Bar: If you're hosting guests, a pasta bar is a fun and interactive way to celebrate. Set up different stations with a variety of pasta shapes, sauces (think rich marinara, velvety Alfredo, or spicy arrabbiata), and toppings such as roasted vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Let everyone customise their own pasta bowl!

Pair with Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients: Autumn is the ideal season for hearty, comforting dishes. Incorporate seasonal produce like pumpkin, butternut squash, mushrooms, and sage into your pasta creations for a truly seasonal meal. A simple sage and brown butter sauce over fresh ravioli can be as indulgent as it is comforting.

Don’t Forget Dessert: To finish your pasta feast on a sweet note, whip up a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or gelato. Light, refreshing, and a perfect contrast to a rich pasta main course.

3. The Best of Both Worlds: Pasta Cook-Along with Friends

If you’re torn between dining out and staying in, why not merge the two? Host a virtual pasta cook-along with friends and family. Choose a recipe, share the ingredients list in advance, and cook together over a video call. It’s a fun way to stay connected while celebrating the day with loved ones. After cooking, sit down to enjoy your creations while catching up over good food and laughter.

Final Thoughts

World Pasta Day is all about enjoying this beloved comfort food, whether you're in the mood for dining out or creating something special in your own kitchen. With so many types of pasta and sauces to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Whether you explore new Italian restaurants, perfect a new pasta recipe, or simply cook your favourite dish, make sure to savour every bite this World Pasta Day.

Buon appetito!

My quick and easy Spag Bol recipe

I love spaghetti bolognese and today I cooked my special recipe for my wife and myself.

Ingredients 

Pack of minced meat. Beef, lamb, turkey or a vegan alternative.

Italian Seasoning

Rosemary

Smoked paprika

One or two tins of chopped tomatoes 

A table spoon of tomato puree (optional)

Spaghetti 45g per person)

Stock Cube

Cornflour mixed with water, just enough to thicken

Fry the meat in a large, deep pan with some oil (Borderfields is best www.borderfields.co.uk) for about 12 minutes.

Then add the tomato puree and the chopped tomatoes, stir well and add stock cube and the herbs. Cook for 20 minutes, then add the cornflour mixture and mix very well. Simmer on a low heat.

Meanwhile add some Borderfields spray lemon infused oil into a pan of boiling water with some salt. (I'm thinking Maldon's fantastic Merchant Range https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2023/07/new-from-maldon-salt-their-innovative.html) 

Then add the spaghetti and cook until it's done to your taste 10 to 15 minutes.

About half way through cooking the spaghetti turn the heat off under the sauce and put a lid on it.

Then serve, topped with Parmesan or some nice extra mature cheese.

Perhaps serve it with a nice Italian red wine, though my wife and I did go very British and had a pot of tea with our meal!

Please do enjoy your meal.

Celebrating the Launch of National Spaghetti Bolognese Day (22 May)

Introduction: A New Tradition for the Nation

Today marks the inaugural celebration of National Spaghetti Bolognese Day! As 22 May dawns, kitchens across the UK are brimming with the tantalising aromas of rich, savoury Bolognese sauce simmering to perfection. 

This day is dedicated to honouring a dish that has become a beloved staple in British homes, a dish that brings families together and transforms ordinary meals into delightful feasts.

The History of Spaghetti Bolognese

Though Spaghetti Bolognese has its roots in Italy, it has been wholeheartedly embraced by the British public. Originating from the city of Bologna, the traditional “ragù alla Bolognese” is a meat-based sauce that has evolved over time. In the UK, this dish has taken on a unique character, often featuring minced beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a medley of herbs. The combination of these ingredients, served over al dente spaghetti, creates a comforting and hearty meal that is as versatile as it is delicious.

Why We Love Spaghetti Bolognese

There are countless reasons why Spaghetti Bolognese holds a special place in our hearts:

Comfort Food at Its Best: The rich, meaty sauce paired with tender spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a dish that warms you up from the inside out.

Family Favourite: Spaghetti Bolognese is often a go-to for family dinners. It’s easy to prepare in large quantities, making it perfect for feeding hungry children and adults alike.

Customisable: Everyone has their own twist on Spaghetti Bolognese. Whether you prefer adding a splash of red wine, a hint of chilli, or a dash of cream, this dish can be tailored to suit individual tastes.

Affordable and Accessible: The ingredients for Spaghetti Bolognese are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it an accessible dish for people from all walks of life.

How to Celebrate National Spaghetti Bolognese Day

There are myriad ways to join in the celebrations today:

Cook and Share: Prepare a big pot of Spaghetti Bolognese and invite friends and family over for a cosy dinner. Share your favourite recipe or try a new one together.

Recipe Exchange: Swap recipes with your neighbours, family members or colleagues. Discover the diverse variations of this classic dish and perhaps find a new favourite ingredient or technique.

Culinary Challenge: Host a Spaghetti Bolognese cook-off! Challenge your friends to create their best version of the dish and enjoy a tasting session to determine the ultimate Bolognese champion.

Community Feast: Organise a community gathering or potluck where everyone brings their version of Spaghetti Bolognese. Celebrate the unity and diversity within your community through the shared love of this delightful dish.

A Classic Recipe to Try

If you’re looking to celebrate National Spaghetti Bolognese Day with a tried-and-true recipe, here’s a classic version to get you started:

Ingredients:

500g minced beef

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

400g tin of chopped tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato purée

1 carrot, finely diced

1 celery stick, finely diced

150ml beef stock

1 glass of red wine (optional)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

400g spaghetti

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to serve

Method:

Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrot, and celery until soft.

Add the minced beef and cook until browned.

Stir in the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, beef stock, and red wine if using.

Add the dried oregano and basil, then season with salt and pepper.

Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Serve the sauce over the spaghetti and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion: A New Favourite Day

National Spaghetti Bolognese Day is more than just an excuse to enjoy a delicious meal; it’s a celebration of a dish that embodies comfort, family, and tradition. So, gather your loved ones, don your aprons, and let’s make this day a cherished annual event filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, mouth-watering Spaghetti Bolognese. Happy cooking!

The UKs favourite Italian food brand, Filippo Berio, has undertaken a survey of spaghetti bolognese fans and has created a top ten list of special ingredients that we Brits love to add to our spag bol:-

Worcester sauce (19%)

Chilli (15%)

Ketchup (14%)

Carrots (14%)

Gravy (7%)

Sweetcorn (6%)

Balsamic (6%)

Soy (6%)

Sugar (6%)

Cream (6%)

Voted one of the UKs top dishes, 1 in 5 of us reporting eating  spaghetti bolognese at least once every month, with over 1 in 10 (14%) enjoying it weekly. And of the 2,000 people surveyed no one had gone for longer than 12 months without a bowl of spag bol. 

We'd like to thank Fillippo Berio for sharing the results of their survey with us and our readers.

https://www.filippoberio.co.uk