Capunti Pasta: the real Italian recipe

Today we’ll explore a delicious capunti pasta recipe inspired by Mediterranean flavors: cherry tomatoes, taggiasca olives, and feta cheese. When it comes to traditional Italian food, pasta always takes the spotlight and among the many varieties, capunti pasta stands out for its versatility. 

What Is Capunti Pasta?

Capunti is a traditional pasta shape from Southern Italy, especially Puglia. It is made by rolling small pieces of semolina dough into elongated, hollow shapes using the fingers. The grooves in capunti are perfect for holding onto sauces. 

The Mediterranean flavours

This capunti pasta is a recipe that celebrates the Mediterranean diet, known for its fresh vegetables, olive oil, and healthy flavors. These ingredients not only taste incredible together but also reflect the rich culinary heritage of Southern Europe.

Ingredients

To prepare this Mediterranean capunti pasta, gather the following fresh and high-quality ingredients.

For the Capunti pasta:

• 400 gr of semolina flour

• 200 gr of lukewarm water

• Pinch of salt

  
  

For the Mediterranean sauce: 

• 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved

• 80 g Taggiasca olives, pitted

• 150 g feta cheese, crumbled

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

• Fresh basil leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Step-by-Step Preparation

Prepare the Capunti

To prepare capunti, combine the semolina with lukewarm water and start mixing in a bowl. Continue until you obtain a smooth dough ball. Once the dough is ready, let it rest under a kitchen towel for 5 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the sauce.

Prepare the Sauce

Cut and toss in the cherry tomatoes and let them soften for a few minutes, releasing their natural juices. Then add the Taggiasca olives and cook briefly. Cut into cubes the feta cheese and add all the ingredients into a bowl. Mix all the ingredients together and garnish with fresh basil, olive oil and the chopped garlic.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the capunti until al dente. This usually takes around 10, but always check the package or taste a piece before draining. 

Drain the pasta and mix it inside the bowl with the rest of ingredients.

PS. This type of pasta is best enjoyed cold. Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as a Vermentino or Falanghina.

In the end, the beauty of the capunti pasta lies in its simplicity. With just some fresh Mediterranean ingredients, you can create a dish that is light yet deeply flavorful. Whether you’re passionate about traditional Italian food or simply looking for a new and quick recipe to try, this dish will become a favorite at your summer table.