Celebrating Pasta with Dan Mancini of Mamma Mancini’s Foods

Copyright of Prima Media Inc.

Edited by Katelyn Kelly

This October, we’re diving into the world of pasta to celebrate both World Pasta Day and Italian-American Heritage Month. Our final guest of the month is the incredible Dan Mancini, the founder of Mamma Mancini’s Foods. Dan shared heartfelt memories, tips, and classic recipes that make his approach to pasta truly special.

Inspired by a Grandmother’s Kitchen in Brooklyn

Growing up in Brooklyn as one of four children, Dan found himself captivated by his grandmother’s kitchen. He was the only one in the family who watched her cook, observing how her food brought family and friends together around the table. Back then, in the late ’50s and ’60s, cookbooks were rare, so Dan learned by watching, absorbing her techniques and dedication to tradition. His grandmother even taught him to make pasta from scratch—an art that Dan has carried forward with passion.

One of Dan’s cherished memories involves making ravioli with his grandmother. Using semolina flour, eggs, olive oil, and water, they would knead the dough on her wooden board. Although ravioli is readily available today, Dan says, “Nothing tastes the way my grandmother made it.” The memory of her homemade ravioli is still, as Maria Liberati puts it, “in your heart and your mouth.”

Classic Pasta Tips and Recipes from Dan

Dan brings the charm of his grandmother’s kitchen to his own cooking, sharing straightforward tips for pasta dishes that anyone can make.

Tomato Sauce in Minutes

One of the simplest yet most flavorful recipes Dan shared is a quick tomato sauce that comes together in minutes. Start with canned plum tomatoes for the best taste and avoid pre-crushed or pureed tomatoes. Here’s Dan’s method:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and a couple of garlic cloves until the garlic turns a light brown.
2. Add whole canned tomatoes, crushing them by hand in a bowl.
3. Pour the tomatoes into the skillet, move them around with a wooden spoon, and watch as a delicious, fresh sauce takes shape in just a few minutes.

Dan shares more of his recipes like this on both his personal Instagram and the Mamma Mancini’s page.

Grandma’s Stove-Top Baked Ziti

Dan’s favorite ziti recipe, inspired by his grandmother’s stovetop version, offers a time-saving twist on the traditional baked dish:

1. Boil the ziti as usual.
2. In a large skillet, add the ziti along with ricotta cheese, grated cheese (avoid pre-grated varieties), and fresh mozzarella.
3. Let the mixture simmer with the lid on for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat, keeping the lid on for five more minutes.
4. When you open the skillet, you’ll have a delicious, melty stovetop ziti without the need to bake for an hour.

Dan Mancini’s stories and recipes are as rich and comforting as a bowl of pasta, making them perfect for our October pasta celebration. Whether it’s a simple sauce or a nostalgic ravioli, Dan reminds us that the best dishes often come from the heart and family traditions.

Get your copy of the Gourmand World Award winning book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions-2nd edition.

Listen to more food, travel, DIY, Home and Garden on The Maria Liberati Show, heard anywhere podcasts are heard and now on WWDB AM RADIO in Philadelphia on Saturdays at 1:30 and https://wwdbam.com/shows/the-maria-liberati-show/↗on   https://wwdbam.com/shows/the-maria-liberati-show