Pasta
What is Orecchiette?
Pronounced /oh-rek-KYET-teh/
Definition
Orecchiette are small ear-shaped pasta associated with Puglia, classically paired with broccoli rabe and sausage.
The cupped shape holds little pools of sauce.
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Related terms
More pasta terms
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Ribollita Toscana
Bread, cavolo nero and beans cooked into one thing.
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Stracciatella alla Romana
Hot broth, whisked egg and Parmigiano in ten minutes.
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The Last Dab
Ten wings, a wall of hot sauce, and a glass of milk that never leaves the table. Sally keeps her cool while Larry sweats through the scoville ladder — until the final round arrives on a stick, sausage and peppers style.
Quick answer
How do you know when Italian sausage is done?
Italian sausage is done when the center reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer, inserted through the end of the link rather than the side. The meat should read pale with no pink translucency and the juices should run clear. Colour alone is unreliable — paprika and fennel keep cooked sausage looking pink.