You Need To Make This Rare Pasta At Least One Time

You Need To Make This Rare Pasta At Least One Time is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 2 min | Cook: 3 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min

Cost: $45.65 total, $11.41 per serving

Ingredients

  • 454 g Durum Wheat Semolina Flour (fine semolina for pasta dough)
  • 225 g Water (tepid, about 30°C)
  • 3 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and quartered)
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 100 g Pecorino Romano Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Mint Leaves (chopped, optional)
  • 5 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (peeled and minced)
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
  • 1 jar Pata Tomato Puree (approx. 680 g, Italian brand)
  • to taste Salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Semolina Dough

    Place 454 g semolina flour in a mound on the board, create a large well, pour in 225 g tepid water and gradually incorporate flour with a fork, then use a bench scraper to bring dry flour into the wet mass, knead until the dough becomes smooth, elastic and barely sticks to your hands.

    Time: PT10M

  2. First Rest

    Shape the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let rest on the counter for 20 minutes to allow hydration.

    Time: PT20M

  3. Second Knead

    After resting, knead the dough gently for about 5 minutes, creating a light spiral pattern to incorporate air.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare Tomato Sauce

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium‑high heat, add the basil stem and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant, then add the jar of Pata tomato puree, a splash of water, season with salt, and simmer until slightly thickened.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Boil Potatoes

    Place peeled, quartered Yukon Gold potatoes (3 lb) in a pot of cold salted water, bring to a boil, then simmer until fork‑tender (about 20 minutes). Drain, let steam dry for 5 minutes, then rice them.

    Time: PT27M

  6. Make the Filling

    While potatoes are still warm, mix the riced potatoes with 2 Tbsp butter, 100 g grated Pecorino Romano, and chopped mint (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Roll the Dough

    Divide the rested dough into quarters. Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll each piece to a thin sheet (setting 5 on a Marcato). Cut circles with a cutter or glass.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Shape Collion

    Place a small mound of filling in the center of each dough circle, fold the edges over, pinch to seal, then repeatedly push the sealed tip inward, creating new flaps and pinching them, until the shape resembles a wheat grain.

    Time: PT20M

  9. Cook the Collion

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Gently drop the shaped collion into the water and cook 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Plate and Garnish

    Spoon a thin layer of tomato sauce onto each plate, arrange 5 collion on top, drizzle a small amount of extra sauce, garnish with fresh basil leaves, a few mint ribbons, and a generous sprinkling of Pecorino Romano.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat, Dairy

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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You Need To Make This Rare Pasta At Least One Time

Recipe by NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW

A traditional Sardinian holiday pasta called collion, hand‑shaped like a wheat grain and filled with buttery mashed potatoes, Pecorino Romano, and fresh mint. Served with a simple homemade tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for Christmas or any special occasion.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 20m
Prep
45m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$45.65
Total cost
$11.41
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Proper hydration of the semolina dough (step 1)
  • Resting the dough for 20 minutes (step 2)
  • Sealing the collion to prevent filling leakage (step 8)
  • Cooking collion only until they float (step 9)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife when cutting dough circles; keep fingers tucked.
  • Olive oil can splatter when sautéing garlic; keep a lid nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Collion pasta in Sardinian cuisine?

A

Collion is a traditional Sardinian pasta made for special occasions such as Christmas. Its wheat‑grain shape symbolizes abundance, and the potato‑mint filling reflects the island’s rustic, seasonal ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Collion in Sardinia?

A

In some Sardinian villages the filling includes ricotta instead of potatoes, or adds saffron for color. Coastal areas may incorporate seafood, while inland families keep the classic potato‑mint version.

cultural
Q

How is Collion traditionally served during the holidays in Sardinia?

A

Collion is usually served on a simple tomato sauce bed, garnished with fresh basil, mint, and a generous shaving of Pecorino Romano. It is presented as a centerpiece dish, often accompanied by a glass of Cannonau wine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Collion traditionally associated with in Sardinian culture?

A

Collion is most commonly prepared for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as for weddings and milestone birthdays, symbolizing prosperity and family unity.

cultural
Q

How does Collion fit into the broader Italian pasta tradition?

A

Collion showcases the Italian principle of turning simple, local ingredients into artful shapes. Like other regional pastas (e.g., orecchiette, trofie), it reflects the terroir of Sardinia through its semolina dough and humble potato filling.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Collion versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Collion uses durum wheat semolina, potatoes, Pecorino Romano, fresh mint, and a basic tomato sauce. Substitutes can include all‑purpose flour for the dough, Parmesan for Pecorino, or basil in place of mint, though flavor and texture will differ.

cultural
Q

What other Sardinian dishes pair well with Collion?

A

Collion pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled swordfish, or a simple salad of bitter greens dressed with lemon. A glass of Vermentino or Cannonau complements the dish’s richness.

cultural
Q

What makes Collion special or unique in Sardinian cuisine?

A

Its distinctive wheat‑grain shape, hand‑pinched sealing technique, and the contrast between the delicate semolina dough and the buttery potato‑mint filling set Collion apart from other Italian stuffed pastas.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Collion pasta?

A

Common errors include under‑hydrating the dough, not resting it long enough, and failing to fully seal the pasta, which leads to filling leakage during cooking.

technical
Q

Why does this Collion recipe use semolina dough instead of egg‑based dough?

A

Semolina dough is traditional in southern Italy and provides a firmer bite that holds the potato filling without becoming soggy, whereas egg dough is richer and more common in northern regions.

technical
Q

Can I make Collion ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, shape the collion, place them on a floured tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑lock bag; cook from frozen, adding a minute to the cooking time.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when shaping Collion?

A

Each piece should have a smooth, sealed seam and a tapered tip that resembles a wheat grain. The dough should be thin enough to see the filling through the sides but sturdy enough not to tear.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW specializes in demystifying traditional and holiday recipes, focusing on step‑by‑step tutorials that make seemingly complex dishes accessible to home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

NOT ANOTHER COOKING SHOW emphasizes practical, no‑fluff explanations, often sharing humidity‑adjusted dough ratios and real‑world kitchen tips, whereas many channels focus on visual perfection without addressing variable home conditions.

channel

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