RIP Pastina: Fill the Star-Formed Gap in Your Coronary heart

Let’s be actual, most of the folks grieving the lack of Pastina haven’t had it in years—me included. When Ronzoni introduced final month that they might discontinue the beloved, star-shaped pasta, I used to be devastated. I scoured my dad or mum’s pantry for the brilliant blue field—to no luck. Then, I let the grief marinate a bit. To be sincere, Pastina is a minimum of considerably fueled by nostalgia and although it’s upsetting {that a} piece of our childhood was ripped away with no regret, it doesn’t imply we’ve to dwell on it.

Pastina is juvenile—in a great way. A bowl of the stuff immediately transports me again to an easier time. I cherish the reminiscences of faking sick simply to remain house from college enjoying Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 3 and scarfing down bowls of the stuff. My Mom would combine in copious quantities of cheese and butter for me. Some wish to whisk an egg into it as effectively. For a lot of, it offers a sense of heat and luxury. Instantly, a bowl of Pastina could make you neglect about your entire issues.

Hassle at work? Make a bowl of Pastina.

Sick? Pastina is right here to assist.

Fell and scraped your knee? Mother will cook dinner up some Pastina.

The spouse left you? Have some Pastina.

What Are Some Replacements for Pastina?

Pastina is simply that: A band-aid. It’s there for you when nothing else is. The phrase “pastina” actually interprets to “small pasta,” however due to Ronzoni’s reputation within the States, it has turn into synonymous with solely the star-shaped bits. And, with it gone, what’s going to you flip to? Properly, fortunate for you, there are a number of nice replacements available on the market that may be ready in precisely the identical fashion. The star-shaped gap in your coronary heart can be healed. Belief me.

Orzo

Significantly, in everybody’s outrage over Pastina’s brutal disappearance, did we simply determine to collectively neglect about orzo? Positive, it’s barely bigger than Pastina and the form isn’t as joyous, however orzo has been a staple in my pantry for years now. It’s nice in soup, however for me, I put together it precisely how I might Pastina. Simmering orzo in hen broth and ending it with cheese and butter is scrumptious. Its flavors and texture convey the identical consolation to me that Pastina at all times did. Orzo is equally as consoling as Pastina, with extra versatility.

Acini Di Pepe

For me, this is without doubt one of the biggest Pastina replacements. Acini di Pepe is a miniature, sphere-shaped pasta that’s excellent in soups or as a facet dish. It resembles a grain of pepper, which is what the title interprets to. When taking a look at dimension, which does matter, Acini di Pepe is fairly spot-on. After all, the form differs from the signature star, however in the event you combine it with sufficient cheese and butter, who cares?

Israeli Couscous

Israeli couscous differs from conventional Moroccan couscous—which is microscopic in dimension. This model of the miniature pasta is just like Acini di Pepe when it comes to form, however can also be toasted, providing a nutty taste. When you’re somebody who prefers a little bit of a chew of their pasta, this could be the perfect substitute for you. It has the identical nice really feel as Ronzoni Pastina, however with a tad extra chew and a barely totally different taste.

Stelline

In case your miniature pasta not being formed like a star is known as a deal-breaker, then that is your best choice for the foreseeable future. Stelline is a star-shaped pastina that’s made by a number of manufacturers, resembling Barilla, De Cecco and Liguori. Some manufacturers make a barely bigger star with a gap within the heart, whereas others supply a digital carbon copy of the Ronzoni model. Stelline might be present in most grocery shops in addition to on-line.

It’ll Be Okay

We get it. Letting go of the previous might be tough. In New Jersey, the lack of Ronzoni Pastina devastated a lot of the inhabitants. With Ronzoni primarily having a monopoly on miniature pasta within the US, it stays a thriller how they might permit it to go away like this. However fret not as a result of there are Pastina replacements. Some would possibly say that the substitutes are even higher.

RIP, Pastina.