Fileja is a type of traditional pasta prepared in Calabria. Fileja pasta can be found throughout Calabria. This type of pasta originates from Vibo Valentia, a small city near the province of Reggio Calabria.
If you are going to visit Calabria, you will find it present in almost every restaurant. But how is FIleja pasta made? What is the main characteristic of Fileja?
How is Fileja pasta made?
Fileja pasta is prepared to utilize durum wheat semolina and water.
The characteristic shape of this pasta is achieved thanks to the help of an iron rod. The final form of Fileja is achieved by inserting a small piece of dough rolled out on the iron rod, with a final result of a string of pasta with an average size of 10/12 cm.
The color of Fileja pasta is yellow, and the shape remember a screw.
Fileja pasta, as well as the majority of dishes in Calabria, come from poor cuisine. Only three ingredients are used: water, flour, and salt.
If you want to try making this type of pasta, here you can find a recipe to prepare Fileja pasta at your home:
Recipe to prepare Fileja pasta at home
Ingredients
- 1 kg durum wheat flour
- 500 ml water (lukewarm)
- One pinch Salt
Preparation
Pour the flour into a piece of wood and create something similar to a fountain. After that, start to add a little salt and warm water. Start mixing until reaching a smooth texture. Consider that the mix should be worked up for at least 30 minutes.
Once completed the first step, start cutting into small pieces the dough. Try to divide them into works of 2 or 3 centimeters.
The next step requires the use of “Ferretto,” the famous iron rod that gives the characteristics of this type of pasta. See the video below for more instructions.
Once completed, the next thing to do is to cook the pasta and mix everything with some tasty preparation.
What are the different ways to prepare Fileja pasta?
Fileja pasta can be prepared in different ways. However, the most traditional pasta recipes and practices to prepare this type are with nduja, tomatoes, and meats: pork or mutton.
As we saw during the article on the most common dishes to try in Calabria, Fileja is one of the most iconic dishes of the Calabria region.
Origin of Fileja pasta
The origin of Fileja pasta is very ancient. The name of this type of pasta originates from the iron rod utilized to prepare the pasta: “Ferretto.”
The recipe for preparing this pasta is handed down from generation to generation. Nowadays, in some small villages of Calabria, the tradition of handing down the recipe is still alive.
How to properly store Fileja Pasta
If you just finished your holidays in Calabria and take some kgs of Fileja as a souvenir, you don’t have to worry about its conservation of it.
As the majority of pasta, you will see a label on the back of the package with the expiration days. Try to consume the pasta within the expiration day.
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