Egg Noodles vs Pasta
Similarities in production and ingredients aside, there are many distinct characteristics in pasta and egg noodles that contribute to the difference between egg noodles and pasta. Egg noodles and pasta represent two of the richest cultures in the world: Italian and Chinese. Both have been around here for centuries. In fact, the oldest noodle-like food that has been found in China dates back to more than 4000 years ago. Even before Marco Polo allegedly introduced the noodle from China in Italy, pasta has already been a staple course. Here, let’s see how egg noodles and pasta is different from each other?
What are Egg Noodles?
Egg noodles are thin strips of elongated unleavened dough incorporated with eggs or egg yolks, that are usually cooked in boiling water or oil. These are the type of noodles most commonly used in Asian dishes such as chow mein, and they come in different forms as well. Some egg noodles are spaghetti-like while others may be flat and wide. Egg noodles are typically made fresh or dried, with fresh noodles needing to be used within a couple of days.
What is Pasta?
Pasta refers to any dish that is primarily made from pasta products and usually served with a type of sauce. There are many types and shapes of pasta, some of which are strings (spaghetti), tubes (macaroni) and sheets (lasagna). Pasta is also typically made fresh or dried. Dried pasta can be stored for up to two years while fresh pasta, on the other hand, can be stored refrigerated for a few days only.
Pasta is a staple of traditional Italian cuisine and is made from a mixture of unleavened dough mixed with water. The flour used is often durum wheat flour while pasta can also be made with other cereals with the incorporation of eggs and oil instead of water as well. Pasta is said to be available in over 310 varieties and shapes with over 1300 names having been documented so far.
What is the difference between Egg Noodles and Pasta?
Pasta and egg noodles represent two of the richest cultures in the world: Italian and Chinese. They have been part of the daily life of many for so long that it is unthinkable to have a world without the pasta and egg noodles. There are many distinct characteristics that set these two prominent dishes apart.
Although pasta and egg noodles are made similarly, eggs are added to egg noodles to give them a rich flavour, colour and texture while pasta typically does not include any eggs. Though pasta and egg noodles are cooked through boiling, egg noodles can also be fried until crispy. Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine while egg noodles are used in Asian cuisine. While egg noodles are a specific type of noodles, pasta is a term used for various products that include spaghetti, macaroni and lasagna. Pasta and egg noodles are considered to be one of mankind’s oldest foods with egg noodles originating in China. Pasta, on the other hand, has no specific origin and has been present in Italian, Arabian and African cultures.
Summary:
Egg Noodles vs Pasta
• Although pasta and egg noodles are made in a similar manner, eggs have been added to egg noodles to give them that rich flavor, color and texture.
• Pasta is primarily Italian and egg noodles are Chinese. They have been a staple food in both cultures from centuries.
• While egg noodles are limited in terms of shape and size, pasta comes in various shapes and types. Spaghetti, angel hair, fettuccini, lasagna and macaroni are only examples of the different types and shapes of pasta.
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