Egg Noodles vs Pasta
Egg noodles and pasta may have similarities in production and ingredients, but there are many distinct characteristics between the two. Egg noodles and pasta represent two of the richest cultures in the world: Italian and Chinese. Both have been around for centuries. In fact, the oldest noodle-like food 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 differ from each other.
What are Egg Noodles?
Egg noodles are thin strips of elongated unleavened dough incorporated with eggs or egg yolks, 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 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. 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 daily life for many for so long that it is unthinkable to have a world without 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 flavor, color, 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:
Key Takeaways
- Egg noodles contain eggs, giving them a rich flavor, color, and texture, while pasta typically does not include any eggs.
- Pasta is primarily Italian, and egg noodles are Chinese, having been staple foods in both cultures for centuries.
- While egg noodles are limited in terms of shape and size, pasta comes in various shapes and types, such as spaghetti, angel hair, fettuccini, lasagna, and macaroni.
