Pastificio Fratelli Setaro Mezzi Occhi di Elefante 500g

Pastificio Fratelli Setaro Mezzi Occhi di Elefante 500g. Pastificio Fratelli Setaro Mezzi Occhi di Elefante is a distinctive artisan pasta produced in Torre Annunziata, near Naples, using traditional methods that have made the Setaro family one of Campania's most respected pasta makers. Crafted from premium Italian durum wheat semolina, the pasta is bronze-die extruded and slowly dried at low temperatures, creating a rough surface and firm texture that are hallmarks of authentic southern Italian pasta.

"Occhi di Elefante" translates as "Elephant's Eyes," referring to the large tubular shape with a wide opening. The mezzi version is cut shorter, creating a substantial pasta that combines the generous diameter of large tubes with a more versatile length. Similar shapes are also known in parts of Italy as gigantoni or mezzi tufoli.

The smooth, wide tubes are designed to capture sauces both inside and out, making them particularly suitable for rich ragùs, slow-cooked meat sauces, vegetable-based sauces featuring mushrooms, eggplant, or artichokes, and hearty legume preparations such as chickpeas, lentils, or beans. The large cavity fills with sauce, delivering exceptional flavour in every bite.

Like all Setaro pasta, Mezzi Occhi di Elefante benefits from traditional bronze-die extrusion (trafila al bronzo), which produces a porous texture that helps sauces adhere naturally. The slow-drying process preserves the flavour of the wheat and ensures excellent cooking performance, resulting in a pasta that remains firm and satisfying when cooked al dente. Artisan pasta enthusiasts frequently regard Setaro among the leading traditional pasta producers of the Naples region.