Difference Between Vermicelli And Thin Spaghetti
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are a plethora of pasta varieties available in the market. Two of the most commonly used pasta types are vermicelli and thin spaghetti. Although they may look similar, there are some significant differences between these two types of pasta. In this article, we will discuss the differences between vermicelli and thin spaghetti.
What is Vermicelli?
Vermicelli is a type of pasta that is thinner than spaghetti but thicker than angel hair pasta. The word vermicelli is derived from the Italian word 'vermicello', which means little worms. Vermicelli is made from semolina flour, which is coarsely ground durum wheat. It is typically thinner than spaghetti, and its strands have a fine, delicate texture.
Vermicelli is commonly used in Asian cuisine, especially in India and Pakistan, where it is used to prepare dishes like vermicelli kheer, upma, and namkeen. It is also used in Italian cuisine, where it is used in dishes like vermicelli soup and vermicelli pasta salad.
What is Thin Spaghetti?
Thin spaghetti, also known as capellini, is a type of pasta that is thinner than spaghetti. It is made from the same ingredients as spaghetti, which are semolina flour and water. However, it is thinner and more delicate than spaghetti.
Thin spaghetti is commonly used in Italian cuisine, where it is used in dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio, spaghetti carbonara, and spaghetti with meatballs. It is also used in fusion cuisine, where it is used in dishes like spicy Thai spaghetti and spaghetti with shrimp and cilantro pesto.
The Differences Between Vermicelli and Thin Spaghetti
There are several differences between vermicelli and thin spaghetti, including:
- Thickness: Vermicelli is thinner than spaghetti, whereas thin spaghetti is thinner than regular spaghetti.
- Texture: Vermicelli has a fine, delicate texture, while thin spaghetti has a more substantial texture.
- Usage: Vermicelli is commonly used in Asian cuisine, while thin spaghetti is commonly used in Italian cuisine.
- Cooking time: Vermicelli cooks faster than thin spaghetti because it is thinner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vermicelli and thin spaghetti may look similar, but they have some significant differences. Vermicelli is thinner and has a finer texture than thin spaghetti. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and cooks faster than thin spaghetti. On the other hand, thin spaghetti is thinner than regular spaghetti and has a more substantial texture. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine and takes longer to cook than vermicelli. Knowing the differences between these two types of pasta can help you choose the right one for your dish.