I macarrones de busa o de ferrittu
Cooking is an art that requires passion and dexterity, but with the right guidance it is possible to learn even the most typical and complex dishes of traditional cuisine. In this guide we will teach you how to prepare the maccheroni al ferretto, a typical pasta from Sardinia, and particularly from the Nuorese area. Also known as “macarrones de busa” or “macarrones de ferrittu,” these macaroni are prepared by hand using a tool called ferretto (in Sardinian busa o ferrittu), which gives them their characteristic shape. The classic sauce for this pasta is made with dried sausage, a dish with a rich and genuine flavor, perfect for those who love rustic and traditional cooking.
Ingredients for the Pasta
- 400 g of durum wheat semolina
- Just enough water
- Salt to taste.
Ingredients for Dried Sausage
- 100 g dry sausage (possibly spicy or myrtle sausage)
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 generous tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
Preparation for dough:
- Prepare the dough base: On a clean surface, pour the durum wheat semolina, creating a small mound. In the center, make a hole and pour half a cup of water. Start kneading the dough with your hands, adding water a little at a time, until you get a soft but firm dough. Be careful not to make it too stiff; if necessary, add more water. When the dough has the right consistency, cover it with a cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Preparation of pasta with ferretto:
2. Form the macaroni: After resting, take the dough and divide it into small hazelnut-sized balls. Flour well the underwire (the stick used to form the macaroni). Place a ball on the tip of the ferretto and, with your hands, gently press down and begin to roll it up, sliding the dough around the stick. Once the macaroni is formed, gently pull it off the ferretto and place it on a floured cloth or sprinkled with semolina. Repeat the process until the dough is exhausted. Let the dough dry for a full day in a cool, dry place.
Sauce preparation:
3. Prepare the dressing: In a frying pan, heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with a clove of chopped garlic. Let it sauté for a few minutes until the garlic turns golden. At this point, add the diced dry sausage and sauté for about 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy
Cooking the pasta and assembling the dish:
4. Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook macaroni al ferretto for about 7 minutes. When the pasta is ready, drain it and transfer it directly to the pan with the sausage sauce. Sauté the macaroni for a couple of minutes, so that it flavors well with the sauce.
5. Serve: Plate the maccheroni al ferretto and, before serving, sprinkle with a generous amount of grated Sardinian pecorino cheese. This rustic and flavorful dish pairs perfectly with a good red or rosé wine to further enhance its intense flavors.
Conclusion:
Maccheroni al ferretto are a true delicacy of Sardinian cuisine, capable of telling the gastronomic tradition of Sardinia in a rich and simple dish. Preparing them with your own hands will not only allow you to enjoy an authentic dish, but also to immerse yourself in the culture of an island that, through its cuisine, keeps its age-old traditions alive. Enjoy!