Welcome to the Friday Find; each week we highlight a newfound discovery we adore so much that we can’t help but share it with you. This week we’re highlighting ‘Pasta Grannies,’ a heart-warming, hunger-inducing project celebrating traditional Italian cooking and the nonnas (and nonnos) who do it. The passion project of British culinary author, Vicky Bennison, Pasta Grannies’ mission is to preserve the traditional food culture and recipes from the many diverse regions of Italy, and to highlight the stories of the women and men who pass on that knowledge.
From spicy Calabrian macaroni, lovingly cooked with home-grown chilis in the tip of Italy’s boot, to sweet fried pillows of poppy seed goodness in the very northern, German-influenced province of Trentino-Alto Adige, the vast array of home-grown recipes are edible history books. Each bite uncovers an ingredient, cooking technique, and handmade touch that tells the story of the place, people and culture it came from. In every episode, Pasta Grannies features the cooks excitedly sharing their recipes, skillfully carving veggies with “nonna knives,” and reminiscing about their lives in Italy.
In one of the most memorable episodes, 101-year-old Concettina, a tiny Calabrian firecracker, explains that she spent her life working in the fields and that when she was 18 years old, her new husband lost both of his legs in battle just 15 days after her marriage. Despite recounting the hardship and sadness she experienced in her life, in a touching moment at the end of her interview, Concettina embodies resilience, hope and perseverance, when her dark eyes light up as she gleefully cheers to the crew who happily indulge in her pasta, “Viva Italia! Viva Italia!”
What is it about Pasta Grannies that makes it so endearing? Is it the drool-worthy food? The kind smiles of enthusiastic and quirky nonnas and nonnos? The upbeat background music? The peak into the homes and kitchens of ordinary Italians? Or is it the proof that, in spite of adversity, these men and women have lived their lives to the fullest? The secret recipe to the charm of Pasta Grannies is all of these components. If you are feeling down or bored, or simply eager to watch or cook something new, Pasta Grannies is the heartwarming video series that you must give a go.
“Meet 101 year old Concettina, our oldest pasta making Granny yet!”
“Pasta Grannies enjoy poppyseed fritters from Süd Tyrol called krapfen”
“Enjoy Maria’s garlic, chili pepper & olive oil dressed ‘sthridhlja’ pasta”
“Pasta Grandpa Checco shares his ‘dirty moustaches’ pasta with beans”
The Covet File 