April 29 (new) and April 30 (traditional) are the feasts of St. Catherine of Siena. Last night I ended up serving Pasta Santa Caterina for dinner. This time I made it with lily shaped pasta (Capanelle, also referred to as gigli or riccioli, translates to little bells or bellflowers) from Trader Joe's, since I had given some to our children in this year's family Easter Basket.
The lily symbolizes purity. Its stoic structure, pure white color, and delicately sweet aroma attribute to qualities of royalty, purity, and chastity. It is the symbolic flower of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is sometimes depicted with other saints (including St. Catherine of Siena) who possess these qualities. A lily among thorns represents the Immaculate Conception as the purity of the Virgin is preserved among the fallen nature of the world. Legend says that the lily originated from Eve’s tears when she and Adam were banished from the Garden of Eden. Another legend claims that lilies sprang up from the ground when drops of blood fell to the foot of the Cross. During the Easter season, many churches line their altars with Easter Lilies to signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life.
This pasta would also be perfect for tomorrow's feast (May 1, St. Joseph the Worker) since the lily is also one of the symbols for St. Joseph.
Pasta Santa Caterina
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. ripe tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. fresh Basil, chopped
- 2 tsp. garlic minced
- 3 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese (I omitted this and it was still great)
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 6 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 lb. gigli pasta
Directions:
Peel tomatoes, remove seeds and dice.
In a medium bowl combine all of the ingredients except the pasta.
Marinate at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Cook the pasta according to package directions, until tender. Drain thoroughly, and transfer pasta to a heated serving dish. Add the sauce and toss.
Serves 8 to 10.
St. Catherine of Siena, ora pro nobis!
Wow - you found it labeled gigli - I only find it labelled as campanelle (though they are the same). I guess I need to check out my Trader Joe's a little better. Glad to see you are using my lily pasta ideas. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! I found it on the "new arrivals" shelf a couple months ago so I don't think they have had it for very long. They also have Organic Italian Artisan Capunti and Orecchiette Pasta now too, and I think they were about $2.69 a bag. It was a nice alternative to the spaghetti and looked so pretty.
Delete