How is Spaghetti Made?

Today, spaghetti is a beloved staple of Italian cuisine and can be found on dinner tables all around the world. At Mora Italiano, we take pride in making our spaghetti dishes from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients. Here's a closer look at how we do it:

First, we start with the dough for the spaghetti noodles. We mix together semolina flour, eggs, and water to create the dough. The dough is then kneaded by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process helps to develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the noodles their signature chewy texture. Fun fact: the word "spaghetti" actually means "strings" in Italian, which is a fitting description for these long, thin noodles!

Once the dough is ready, we roll it out into thin sheets and cut it into long, thin strips using a pasta cutter or knife. The noodles are then dusted with flour to prevent them from sticking together and left to dry for a few hours. Fun fact: it's important to dry the spaghetti noodles before cooking them, as this helps to prevent them from becoming mushy when they are boiled.

While the noodles are drying, we start on the sauce. At Mora Italiano, we use a combination of crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil to create a classic marinara sauce. The ingredients are simmered together in a large pot, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Fun fact: the word "marinara" means "mariner's" in Italian, and it's thought that this type of sauce was created by Italian sailors who combined tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil on their ships.

When the spaghetti noodles are ready, we bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The noodles are added to the pot and cooked for a few minutes until they are al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. They are then drained and tossed with the marinara sauce. Fun fact: al dente is an Italian phrase that means "to the tooth", and it refers to the perfect level of firmness for pasta.

The finished spaghetti is served hot, garnished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil. It pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine and the cozy atmosphere of Mora Italiano.

But the fun doesn't stop there – at our restaurant in Encino, CA, we offer a variety of spaghetti dishes to suit every taste. From classic spaghetti marinara to spaghetti carbonara with creamy egg and bacon, there's something for everyone. So come on in and enjoy a bowl of our freshly made spaghetti at Mora Italiano – we promise it's a trip worth taking, just like Marco Polo's journey to bring it to us!