what is pasta

Pasta is a type of food that is typically made from an unleavened dough of wheat flour mixed with water or eggs, and formed into sheets or other shapes, then cooked by boiling or baking. Rice flour or legumes such as beans or lentils are sometimes used in place of wheat flour to yield a different taste and texture, or as a gluten-free alternative. Pasta is a staple food of Italian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes, including pasta asciutta, pasta in brodo, and pasta al forno. There are many different types of pasta, including spaghetti, macaroni, fettuccine, and lasagna, each with its own unique shape and texture. Pasta is typically high in carbohydrates and low in fat, with moderate amounts of manganese, but generally has low micronutrient content. It may be enriched or fortified, or made from whole grains. The history of pasta can be traced back as far as the 4th century B.C., and it has been eaten by many different cultures through a large number of time periods. Today, pasta is ubiquitous and there is a variety of types available in local supermarkets in many countries.