Abruzzese Macaroni

The chitarra (‘guitar’) used to make this kind of pasta is unique to the Abruzzi. It is actually a rectangular frame with metal strings stretched across the hollow of the box, just like a musical instrument. The pasta is laid on top of the strings and a rolling pin is rolled on top of the pasta, pushing it through the gaps between the strings to fall underneath. You end up with square-sided spaghetti which are known locally as maccheroni alla chitarra. You can buy a chitarra in any of the l