Tuscany / Berlin, September 2025 If pasta could tell stories, then pici would speak of centuries-old traditions, rural simplicity and Tuscan joie de vivre. On World Pasta Day on 28 October, the focus will be on this special pasta specialty - and at the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE, guests can not only enjoy its unmistakable taste, but also learn how to make it from scratch.
Pici - the soul of Tuscany
Unlike their thin relative, spaghetti, pici are sturdy, round and rolled by hand. Their origins lie in southern Tuscany, where farm workers formed a nutritious meal from flour, water and sometimes an egg. What was once a simple "poor man's meal" is now a symbol of regional authenticity - and an integral part of the culinary culture at the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE.
An exclusive cooking course with heart and craftsmanship
Every Tuesday at Tenuta Sanoner, the family-owned winery of the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE, which is within walking distance of the resort, Anna Tigrato leads a cooking class that combines tradition with pleasure. Here, guests learn why pici dough doesn't need salt, how to knead it properly and how to recognize genuine hand-rolled pasta. "The perfection is not in the uniformity, but in the liveliness of the shape - you can see and taste that they are made by hand," says Anna.
The day begins with an espresso and a seasonal menu ranging from antipasti to the famous pici and dolci. While the dough rests, crostini, pecorino and the Tenuta's organic wines are tasted - from the sparkling Aetos Sparkling to the excellent Orcia Sangiovese DOC. The cooking course is thus combined with an overall experience for all the senses.
Culinary culture that lasts
The centerpiece, however, remains the preparation of pici all'aglione - pasta with a sauce made from aglione, the Tuscan giant garlic, and sun-kissed tomatoes. A dish that captures the essence of the region in its simplicity:
aromatic, earthy, unadulterated. And this is exactly what makes it the ideal symbol for World Pasta Day - pasta as a cultural asset that unites people and lets them taste landscapes.
Experience pici - not just on October 28
Although World Pasta Day draws attention to pasta, guests can enjoy the experience at the ADLER Spa Resort THERMAE all year round. The course offers not only culinary knowledge, but also stories, craftsmanship and the opportunity to take a piece of Tuscany home with you.
Here is some recipe inspiration from the ADLER kitchen:
Pici all'aglione
(for 4 people)
Ingredients
- 400 g pici (Tuscan pasta)
- 6-8 cloves of aglione (garlic)
- 500 g ripe, fresh tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil
1. The sauce
Peel the aglione and cut into wafer-thin slices.
Simmer gently in a pan with plenty of olive oil over a low heat for 5-6 minutes
until soft and creamy - make sure that it does not burn.Finely dice the tomatoes, add, season with salt and simmer over a low heat for 20-25 minutes
Simmer for 20-25 minutes.Stir regularly until a velvety sauce forms and the garlic falls apart.
2. The pasta
Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil.
Cook the pici in it for around 20 minutes until they are al dente.
Drain and keep some of the cooking water.
3. The finale
Add the pici directly to the sauce and toss gently for 1-2 minutes.
If necessary, refine with a little cooking water until it has a creamy consistency
consistency.Serve immediately and finish with fresh basil.